Question: Why Can't an Amsterdam Coffeeshop Sell Alcohol, Too?
Answer: According to the Dutch government's regulations for coffeeshops, an establishment cannot sell cannabis products and also sell alcohol. There used to be a few coffeeshops that did double as pub-like places, selling beer. But in April 2007, they were forced to decide between selling cannabis products and alcohol.
Of course, with all regulations come loopholes for those rules. Because the law focuses on the sales of cannabis and alcohol, but not necessarily the consumption of them, there are some bars and cafes that claim to be "smoker-friendly." One of the best examples of this is Barney's Uptown, where you can enjoy beer, wine or spirits while smoking a joint, because they don't sell cannabis. To purchase that, just head across the street to Barney's Coffeeshop.
Of course, with all regulations come loopholes for those rules. Because the law focuses on the sales of cannabis and alcohol, but not necessarily the consumption of them, there are some bars and cafes that claim to be "smoker-friendly." One of the best examples of this is Barney's Uptown, where you can enjoy beer, wine or spirits while smoking a joint, because they don't sell cannabis. To purchase that, just head across the street to Barney's Coffeeshop.