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UK: Cannabis cafes can learn from lapdance clubs - entrepreneur

Ananova

Monday 18 Mar 2002

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A businessman is suggesting the success of lapdancing clubs could provide a
lesson for those seeking to open cannabis cafes in Britain.

Simon Woodroffe, the owner of Yo! Sushi, says lapdancing clubs show how a
business once perceived as seamy can become respectable.

He has told Ananova that cannabis cafes may follow a similar pattern if the
drug is legalised in the UK.

Mr Woodroffe says he would be interested in opening 'elegant' outlets
selling cannabis following legalisation.

He says: "The issue for me is if that was to happen, what we wouldn't want
to see in the UK is the tacky cannabis cafes of Amsterdam by allowing the
tacky end of the market to open cafes.

"It has to be properly done - it's like lapdancing bars. A few years ago,
they were perceived to be tacky, whereas they are much more acceptable
nowadays."

Mr Woodroffe says: "I don't think anyone apart from me has started to talk
about what might happen if cannabis is legalised - there is always the fear
of a backlash."

He says he isn't advocating the legalisation of cannabis, and that
permission to sell the drug should be tested by experimental licenses.

Mr Woodroffe adds: "I can't see that there are fortunes to be made out of
cannabis sales."

Last year, drugs campaigner Colin Davies was arrested only minutes after
attempting to open the UK's first Amsterdam-style marijuana cafe - The
Dutch Experience - in Stockport.

 

 

 

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