GIG HARBOR MOVES TO BAN BONGS, PIPES

It Could Soon Be A Crime To Sell Pipes, Bongs, Hookahs And Other
Drug Paraphernalia In Gig Harbor.

The city Police Department is proposing new laws aimed at stopping
the over-the-counter sale of those items. Parents began complaining
last year that their kids were buying them fairly easily.

The proposal won't stop grandpa from buying a corncob pipe, but it
prohibits anything else used for marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine
and other drugs.

Owners argue those items are used strictly for tobacco, but police
aren't buying it.

"I don't know of anyone smoking cigarettes who puts them in a bong,"
said Police Chief Mike Davis. "This is all about what a reasonable
person would feel."

WHAT: Gig Harbor's proposal to ban pipes and other
drug paraphernalia sales at local stores.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday at the Gig Harbor City Council meeting.

WHERE: Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St.

WHAT'S THE PUNISHMENT? Police would check the city's smoke shops,
convenience stores and other businesses. A storeowner caught selling
drug paraphernalia would be hit with a $100 civil infraction. If it
happens again within two years, the person would be arrested for a
gross misdemeanor.

HOW PREVALENT IS THE PROBLEM? The Peninsula has about three smoke
shops that sell the merchandise -- two in Gig Harbor, Davis said.

HAVE OTHER STEPS BEEN TAKEN? Davis said his department has been
working with the Key Peninsula detachment of the Pierce County
Sheriff's Department to find a solution. The departments met with
and tried to educate smoke-store owners, but police say some are
still selling the merchandise.

DO OTHER CITIES ALLOW THESE ITEMS? Tacoma banned the sale of drug
paraphernalia two years ago. Pierce County followed suit this year,
Davis said.

WHAT EXACTLY WOULD BE BANNED? You can read the proposal by visiting
the city's Web site, www.cityofgigharbor.net. Click on "Public
Meetings" and follow the links.