Data were obtained from a study by the authors conducted in 1996 and 1997 in 11 European cities. Most of the cities were visited by the researchers, where they interviewed local politicians, policymakers, and other local experts. Also, a survey was conducted among local policymakers and researchers in nine of the cities regarding local perceptions of the drug problem, the availability of data on drug-related petty crime, and policy responses. In addition, a general population survey was done in all 11 cities; the findings of this survey constitute the core of this paper. The study found that petty crime is but one of the reasons for public concern about drugs and drug users. Many people are annoyed by the very use of illicit drugs and even more so by the trade in drugs. Many people do not want to be confronted by such activities and expect the authorities to shield them from exposure to drug use and drug dealing. Study findings show that public opinions and policy preferences are influenced only to a limited degree by exposure. The people who are not exposed to drug problems in their neighborhood are more strongly inclined toward a repressive approach than the people who are affected by the nuisance of drug use and drug trafficking in their communities. People who have tried drugs themselves lean toward a health-oriented approach to addressing drug problems, rather than the law enforcement approach. This tendency is even stronger among those exposed to drug-related nuisances. 5 figures, 2 tables, and 10 references