Closure of coffeeshops in Roermond: new location in sight
| (Last update at )In October 2024, the municipality of Roermond decided not to renew the operating licenses of the two coffeeshops Sky and Skunk, resulting in their closure. This decision followed years of complaints about nuisance and legal proceedings. The municipality aims to establish a new coffeeshop location outside the city center to reduce disturbances.
Reason for the closure of Sky and Skunk
The municipality of Roermond has been striving for years to reduce nuisance in the city center caused by the presence of coffeeshops. For this reason, the city council decided in 2010 that the coffeeshops Sky and Skunk, located on Venloseweg and Zwartbroekstraat respectively, should be removed from the center. This policy was concretized in 2020 with the establishment of a new regulation for the distribution of operating licenses for coffeeshops. It was determined that the licenses for Sky and Skunk would expire in October 2024 and would not be renewed.
New location at Randweg
To ensure the continued availability of soft drugs in Roermond and to reduce disturbances in the city center, the municipality has granted a new operating license for a coffeeshop at Randweg 3, located in the Heide-Roerstreek industrial area. This location was chosen due to its distance from residential neighborhoods and schools, aiming to minimize nuisance.
Current developments
The opening of the new coffeeshop has been delayed due to legal proceedings. Residents and business owners have filed objections to the establishment of the coffeeshop, fearing disturbances and its proximity to a busy bicycle path frequently used by students. Despite these objections, the court has ruled that construction work may proceed. The municipality, together with the police and the Public Prosecution Service, has developed plans to strictly address any street dealing during the transitional period.
Increase in street dealing
The absence of an operational coffeeshop in Roermond has led to an increase in illegal street dealing. The police have arrested several dealers and buyers. Consequently, the municipality has intensified monitoring and warns that both sellers and buyers of illegal drugs risk legal prosecution.
Future developments
The closure of coffeeshops Sky and Skunk marks an important step in Roermond's efforts to balance the regulation of soft drugs with maintaining the city's livability. The municipality of Roermond remains committed to providing a regulated and nuisance-free soft drug facility. The focus is on successfully opening the new coffeeshop at Randweg and monitoring the situation to protect public order and the residential and living environment. Meanwhile, legal procedures are being closely followed, and measures are being taken to combat street dealing.
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