Vejle City Council approved police plans to expand a drug tolerance zone on Wednesday. The decision allows drug users to carry illegal substances without penalty in designated areas around supervised consumption facilities.
Council members voted to support the police proposal despite opposition. The expansion will include parking areas near residential buildings on Flegmade in central Vejle.
Conservative council member Dan Arnløv saw his proposals rejected twice in the same matter. He had advocated for community meetings and alternative locations for the consumption room.
Arnlov used parliamentary procedures to bring the issue before the full council after committee rejection. He argued residents feel unsafe near the current drug consumption facility operated by Kirkens Korshær, a Danish humanitarian organization.
Many residents report feeling uncomfortable using nearby Maria Park and City Park, Arnlov stated. Drug users often gather in these areas due to the consumption room's location.
Both Denmark Democrats and Danish People's Party expressed support for addressing neighborhood concerns. But the majority council coalition rejected Arnlov's proposals.
SF council member Lone Myrhøj noted the police already operate according to the proposed map changes. She emphasized the tolerance zone applies only to long-term addicts visiting the official facility.
This isn't open season for drug carrying in the area, Myrhøj clarified. The police recommended the expansion, following established practices nationwide.
Social Democrat Søren Peschardt accused some politicians of exploiting the issue. He suggested they were seeking political gain from a public health matter.
The council debate occurred because police requested municipal feedback on the geographic expansion. Police sought objections or comments about the larger tolerance zone.
Arnlov maintained the expansion worsens existing problems. When the consumption room opened nine years ago, drug activity moved into the neighborhood, he explained.
Residents and park users have long felt uneasy about drug users congregating in the area. Expanding the tolerance zone adds insult to injury for local citizens, Arnlov concluded.
The political divide reflects ongoing tensions between public health approaches and community concerns about drug policy. While authorities aim to reduce harm through supervised consumption, neighbors bear the visible consequences of concentrated drug activity.