A coffeeshop in Assen can have its paperwork in order and still be missing something important. Since October 17, the Dutch city has required operators to obtain a quality certificate within six months of opening. And they have to keep it. This isn't an award for the nicest-looking buds or the most creative strain names. The inspectors are interested in what happens behind the counter.
Staff training, security, administration, customer information. All of it comes under scrutiny. Owners can choose between two recognised certification schemes, with an independent inspection to check whether they're meeting the requirements. Every year, they must also send the results of an internal audit to the mayor. That's quite a bit of homework for a business that already needs a permit to operate.
Assen is also making room for a second coffeeshop, having previously allowed only one. The Dutch coffeeshop trade association, BCD, is pleased with the new rules. It says this is the first time its quality scheme has been formally written into municipal policy. Customers probably won't notice much difference when ordering at the counter. The owner, meanwhile, has another deadline to circle on the calendar.
