Part of: Residents criterion (I-criterion)
The border first, then nationwide
From 2012 the I-criterion was introduced in the southern provinces (Limburg, North Brabant, Zeeland), where drug tourism caused the most nuisance. From 1 January 2013 the criterion formally became nationwide — coffeeshops throughout the Netherlands were required to sell only to residents.
Enforcement determined locally
Nationwide validity is not the same as nationwide enforcement. Whether the I-criterion is actually monitored and sanctioned is a decision for the local triangle (mayor, public prosecutor, police). That has led to large differences between municipalities for years.