Amsterdam To Go Smoke-Free?

by Willy Volk on

Quick: When you read the word “Amsterdam,” what springs to mind?

Right! All those funny little glasses from which the Dutch drink beer. Those crazy Hollanders.

Those crazy Hollanders will soon be drinking their beer in smoke-free bars, after a smoking ban comes into effect in July 2008. The ban covers all restaurants and cafes — including the city’s 300+ coffee shops, those gezellig little haunts where people go specifically TO smoke.

So how does a business founded on providing an environment in which to smoke survive if said business must be smoke-free? Fortunately, the proprietors of pot will be allowed to set up a separate room or glass partition behind which people can smoke. Customers will not be served behind the partition. The government says this will protect staff from the effects of second-hand pot smoke.

Protect staff from the effects of second-hand pot smoke? Um, isn’t that why staff applied to work there in the first place?

Would a Dutch Smoking Ban Mean the End of its Famous Coffee Shops?

by Jonathon Morgan on

There’s plenty of reasons to visit Amsterdam — the people, the culture, the beautiful, walkable city — but let’s get real: the place is famous for its coffee shops, where patrons come to sit back, relax, and smoke a couple doobies. But like other European countries, the Netherlands is considering a ban on smoking tobacco in restaurants, cafes and bars — so will this signal the end for the country’s pot-smoking tourist traffic?

The answer, in short, seems to be no. Namely, because the clientele at these establishments aren’t actually smoking tobacco. Those who like to smoke their marijuana mixed with tobacco (a circumstance in which the ban probably would apply), will most likely get around the restriction simply by mixing their dope with something else. “You can bring parsley or old socks if you want, cut them here and smoke them, nobody will say anything,” one Dutch politician and coffee shop owner told Reuters News.

A ban — which could go into effect at the beginning of 2008 — might even mean good news for the makers and distributors of marijuana smoking paraphernalia, such as pipes, bongs, or other oddball contraptions potheads have dreamed up for the sake of improving their high.

So don’t worry, it looks Amsterdam’s tourists will be getting stoned wherever they like for the foreseeable future.

The Common Grounds – Fayetteville, Arkansas

by Adrienne Wilson on

In every city, no matter how big or small, I always seem to find at least one spot that manages to surprise in multiple ways. For Fayetteville I hadn’t a clue what that place might be until I accidentally stumbled into the Common Grounds for breakfast one morning. Located minutes away from the University of Arkansas, in historic Dikson Fayetteville, the strip where the Common Grounds sits tucked away, is surrounded by many local flavors. And if getting your day started with a fresh cup of gourmet espresso is priority you’ll have tons to choose from at the Common Grounds. Not being a big coffee drinker myself, I suggest you check out the website for an idea of what roasts, blends, beans and aromas you’re destined to discover by swinging through.

I went big, all out and ordered the Meaty Belgian, a Belgian waffle sandwich layered with two eggs, American cheese and a sausage pattie. Accompanying my delish breakfast sandwich was a small cup of fresh fruit and to top it off I had an ice-cold smoothie. Certainly one of the most filling meals I’ve ever started my day off with and not too bad on the pockets I’d surely go back to fuel up again if in Fayetteville. Superb service, warm smiles and a very nice atmosphere makes the Common Grounds highly inviting. Stumble in for yourself.

The Common Grounds is located at 412 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Ph. 479.442.3515.