The Hague has become the first city in the Netherlands to ban cannabis smoking from downtown areas following numerous complaints by fed-up residents.
Since last week "it's illegal to use soft drugs at 13 public spaces," the city said in an online statement seen by AFP today.
The ban "to fight nuisance" includes the bustling city centre, the Hague's main train stations and shopping streets, it said.
"During the last few years the city council has received numerous complaints about the smell and noise caused by joint-smoking people," it added.
Police will enforce the ban with an undisclosed fine, but until the end of April offending smokers will be let off with a warning "to get used to the new measure."