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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: 'Just leave us alone'
This is Lancashire
Saturday 21 Sep 2002 A TATTOOIST who runs East Lancashire's second Amsterdam-style cafe today urged police to leave it alone and concentrate on cracking serious crime. Frank and Margaret Mac, who have run Studio One, in Accrington for the past year have opened the coffee shop above their Warner Street business. The couple, both in their 40s, say customers will be allowed to smoke marijuana on the premises but it will not be sold there. But police say the couple are still committing offences by allowing people to use controlled substances and could face hefty fines or a prison sentence. Earlier this year, David Wilson sparked an outcry when he opened a similar cafe in Bolton Road, Ewood, Blackburn. No action has been taken, but police are monitoring the situation. Frank said: "I have known Dave for more than 20 years but we are not in cahoots over this -- we have wanted to do it for some time and he just beat us to it." Frank, who has been a tattoo artist for 24 years, said: "People are rolling joints in the street and they are at it in pubs, nightclubs, everywhere but this will give them a place to come where they are not disturbing anyone. "We will not sell it and we will not allow any other drugs on the premises. "In Amsterdam the crime rate is down as they leave us alone and instead of charging people for little pieces of marijuana they are looking at bigger problems. The police there are policing which is what they should be doing. "They should be targeting paedophiles and God knows what else." Inspector Neil Smith, of Blackburn police, said: "The police stance is that people who allow their premises to be used for supplying or using controlled drugs are committing an offence. "We do not support the notion of Amsterdam-style cafes. The links between cannabis and hard drugs are obvious. "If people commit offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 they could receive a prison sentence or a substantial fine." Frank says he has smoked marijuana since he was 18 and that it has helped him quit alcohol and recover from a nasty injury. He said: "I had a motorbike smash in 1983 and broke my back but smoking marijuana seriously helped as a pain killer. It is also used for cancer patients and other conditions such as multiple sclerosis." The cafe has seven tables and can accommodate up to 25 people. Inspector Phil Cottam, of Accrington police, said: "We are monitoring the situation and I view it as serious that this type of activity should be taking place in the centre of Accrington. "There are possible offences of possession, supplying and allowing the premises to be used for taking illegal substances and if any evidence comes to light we will act accordingly." Hyndburn Council leader Ian Ormerod said: "This is a recent development and one that the council and others would certainly wish to monitor."
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