DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SELLERS HARD TO HAMMER

A proposal by an Abbotsford councillor to target stores that sell
drug paraphernalia is not enforceable, according to the city's bylaw
review committee.

In October, Coun. Simon Gibson asked that city staff examine ways to
better monitor businesses selling equipment that can be used for
illegal drug use.

Drug paraphernalia is defined as any legitimate equipment, product,
or material that is modified for making, using, or concealing illegal drugs.

At Monday's regular council meeting in Matsqui Centennial
Auditorium, Coun. John Smith, who is a member of the bylaw review
committee, said the city would not be able to change the rules.

Part of the issue, Smith said, is that pipes and other equipment
sold in certain stores can be used for both legal and illegal purposes.

For example, Smith said a pipe could be used to smoke either tobacco
or marijuana.

"It is unenforceable at the end of the day, and it would not hold up
in court," he said.

"The motive to deal with this is very noble, but effectively, we
can't do much about it."

After hearing from Smith, Gibson said he hoped business landlords
would "exhibit good sense of good neighbourliness."

"If we can encourage landlords from opening such stores . . . the
community will be better off," he said.