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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Gone to pot
Dianne Bourne Metro News, Manchester
Friday 04 Jan 2002 It's been raided twice by police. the owner is in prison awaiting trial on drugs charges, but Britain's first cannabis cafe is still open. And the customers are happily - and defiantly - smoking their spliffs. Dozens of them packed into the Dutch Experience in Stockport town centre, for New Years Eve celebrations - although, bizarrely, council licensing rules meant it had to close at 10pm. Despite the signs saying the sale of drugs is prohibited, there can be no doubt that the customers are breaking the law by smoking cannabis. Cafe owner Colin Davies is currently on remand in Strangeways, charged with possession with intent to supply, possession of conmtrolled drugs, permitting premises to be used for the smoking of cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. His brother Mark, who lives in Stockport is now working at the cafe. "It went really quiet after the drugs bust but gradually people are coming back," he said. "Because of the raids people got worried, but we are no longer selling on the premises so we can't get raided. We are getting more support." One cafe-goer said: "I feel obliged to come here and smoke every day now. "I like to feel this is my way of supporting Colin and giving people the right to have a choice in this country." The Dutch Experience was raided by police on the day it opened last September. It was raided again in November, when Colin Davies and two others were arrested. North West MEP Chris Davies (no relation) asked to be arrested by Stockport police for possession of a small amount of cannabis after Colin Davies's arrest. A whole wall of the cafe, hidden away on Hooper Street in Stockport, is noe devoted to photos of the protest marches against Mr Davies's imprisonment. He has been refused bail, and is awaiting trial in Strangeways jail. In his last letter, Davies, who uses the drug for pain relief, said: "Don't stop what you are doing or it will all be a waste of time. "No matter how long they keep me locked up for we must go forward." Another large protest was expected yesterday (Thursday) as Mr Davies, from Birmingham, appeared before Stockport magistrates again. Before the raid on November 20, tourists flooded there. Greater Manchester Police said: "We recognise there is ongoing debate and research into medical benefits or otherwise of cannabis. The police, in appropriate cases, exercise discretion and judgement. With regard to certain offences of simple possession of cannabis, each case is taken on merit. "However, in the face of overt and challenging behaviour, which amounts to intention to break the law, our stance will be one of enforcement."
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