‘Necessities’ in Europe: Belgian Fries, French Baguettes and Dutch Cannabis

Kostas Nomikos was happy when the Dutch government ordered the Amsterdam bar where he works closed because of new coronavirus, alongside all other nonessential businesses. A day later he was back at work, selling legal marijuana, after authorities added the country’s famous “coffee shops” to the national list of essential services.

“Terrible idea,” said Mr. Nomikos of the decision, which was taken to reduce illegal sales of soft drugs.

…