Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jun 2004
Source: Sun, The (UK)
Copyright: News Group Newspapers Ltd, 2004
Contact:  http://www.the-sun.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/433
Author: Nick Parker, in Portugal
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?420 (Cannabis - Popular)

POLICE TO LET ENGLAND FANS SMOKE DOPE

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?"

More than 600 officers will be on duty for England's opening group game at 
Lisbon's Stadium of Light.

Fans who seem to be drunk may be breath-tested and refused entry. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake