The unwritten and written rules that keep coffeeshops pleasant for everyone: at the door, at the counter, at your table and when you leave.

Why manners matter

Coffeeshops operate under strict conditions and depend on the goodwill of their neighbourhoods. Behaving well keeps them open and keeps visits pleasant for everyone. Most of it is simple courtesy.

At the door

  • Carry photo ID and show it when asked. Shops can be fined for serving anyone under 18.
  • Keep noise down when you queue, especially in residential streets.
  • Follow any instruction from door staff without arguing.

At the counter

  • Decide roughly what you want before you reach the front, but do not be afraid to ask for advice.
  • Be polite. Staff deal with many customers and are glad to help if you ask nicely.
  • Buy within the limit: no more than 5 grams per person per day.
  • Do not ask staff to sell to a friend outside, or to buy on someone else's behalf.

In the shop

  • Tobacco. It cannot be smoked indoors. Smoke pure cannabis, or use a vaporizer if the shop has one.
  • Alcohol. Coffeeshops do not sell it under the tolerance rules. Ask before bringing your own drinks.
  • Buy something. Most shops expect you to buy a drink or something else if you are sitting there.
  • Look after the furniture. Keep ash and mess off tables and floors, and use the ashtrays.
  • Photos. Ask before taking pictures. Staff and other guests may not want to be in them.
  • Consider others. Avoid blowing smoke at people, and give people space, especially in busy rooms.

If you feel too high

It can happen, especially with strong products or edibles. Tell a member of staff. Sit down, drink some water, eat something and stay calm. The feeling passes. Do not leave alone in a panic.

Outside

  • Do not smoke cannabis on the street in areas where it is banned. Local rules apply and fines are possible. See our guide to smoking in public.
  • Keep voices low and take rubbish with you when you leave.
  • Never take cannabis across a border, and do not drive after using it.

Short version

Be polite, follow the house rules, buy no more than you are allowed and leave the street as you found it.