A majority of council members in Maastricht wants to keep coffee shops open, reports news service ANP.

Of the 39 council members, 21 are in favour of keeping coffee shops open and building more of them on the city outskirts. They say that spreading out the establishments is the most effective way of dealing with any nuisance caused, says ANP.
Labour MP Lea Bouwmeester is asking justice minister for permission for Maastricht to carry out its plans. Venlo moved its coffee shops to the edge of town five years ago and it has been a success, she told ANP.