Amsterdam bans 'no toking' signs

After an only-in-the-Netherlands legal reverse, the city of Amsterdam says it will likely have to stub out the "no toking" signs it introduced in a crackdown on marijuana-smoking youth.

The Dutch government's top legal adviser has ruled that the city had no right to establish official zones where smoking weed is banned, since it's already theoretically illegal in the Netherlands.

In practice possession of small amounts is allowed and the drug is sold openly in designated shops.

When the signs first went up in 2007 they were stolen so often the city started selling them itself as collectors' items.

City spokeswoman Iris Reshef conceded the ruling likely means the signs must go, but the city can still fine young smokers who cause problems.

AP