Saturday, June 12, 2004

Police to let England Fans Smoke Dope Not back from New York yet, but I couldn't resist posting this one from the Sun... ENGLAND fans will be allowed to smoke dope before Sunday’s crunch clash with France — to keep them calm. Cops in Lisbon plan to crack down on drunk supporters while turning a blind eye to those spotted puffing on a spliff. Pot-smoking fans have been assured they will not be arrested, cautioned — or even have their drugs confiscated. Last night experts said the Portuguese police’s “Here We Blow” policy would reduce chances of a punch-up between rival fans. Alan Buffry of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance said: “If people are drinking they lose control, if they smoke cannabis they don’t. “Alcohol makes fans fight. But cannabis smokers will be shaking hands and singing along together.” Dutch police used a similar policy in Euro 2000 and England’s hooligan element were too stoned to fight. A Lisbon police spokeswoman said: “If people cause a problem through drugs and become a menace then police will take action. But when this doesn’t happen why should the police be the ones making the fuss?” Exactly. Update: More at LastOneSpeaks 5:53:20 PM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []