After more than 30 years of high times, the open-door coffee shops of the Netherlands will have tightened restrictions, banning all tourists from cannabis-selling coffee shops starting next year.

In an attempt ease the troubles of Dutch border towns, the ban will start in the south where drug tourism is most common and regarded a problem by many local residents.

Although the rules will come into effect from 1 January 2012, it will not be enforced until 1 May.

The rest of the country, including Amsterdam that attracts waves of tourists eager to smoke a joint or two without having to look over their shoulder for the police, will see the new rules enforced from 1 January 2013.

Local coffee shop owners say the move will harm the tourism industry, while Dutch residents who have long complained about the impact of drug tourism including pollution, noise at night and an increase of drug dealers on the streets, are pleased.

Since September last year, the government has considered a compulsory “cannabis card” for residents visiting one of the 670 licensed cannabis coffee shops.