Wednesday, June 3, 2015


Through heavy pulls on a large hookah, one reclining customer has found out that a relaxing day in Amsterdam may have your mind drifting to the Far East. It may be surprising to find out that our friend is actually not in a coffeeshop!

Although the Lost in Amsterdam Lounge is not a coffeeshop, customers are allowed to smoke there. It is referred to as a "smoking bar". These places became prominent after a July 2007 law in the Netherlands which separated alcohol sales from soft drugs sales in a given location. Many times the smoking bar arose from a coffeeshop which served alcohol and decided to retain its alcohol license and give up its ability to sell soft drugs - as with the case with the Café Nes. On the other hand, Café Wildstyle chose to do the opposite and has since turned into Rick's Coffeeshop, while Rick's café next door retained only its liquor license.

If there is any doubt in your mind as to whether or not it is permissible to smoke a joint in a given location, there are usually helpful signs: language such as "smokers welcome" on a sign out front, or a graphic of a mascot smoking a spliff while holding a martini make for understandable tip offs.

Depending on your interest it may be enjoyable to have a drink with your smoke, and as always, Amsterdam aims to please!

Watercolor  (26 x 32 cm)