DA KINE MARIJUANA CAFE OWNER ARRESTED AGAIN

The owner of the controversial Da Kine Smoke and Beverage Shop has
been re-arrested.

Carol Gwilt was arrested yesterday and charged with breaching her bail
conditions, said Vancouver police spokeswoman Const. Sarah Bloor.

Bloor said Gwilt was arrested at Commercial and Powell, away from the
Commercial Drive cafe.

The cafe was raided by Vancouver police Sept. 9 after reports
circulated that it was selling marijuana. Gwilt and six employees were
arrested and charged with drug offences. They are to appear in court
Oct. 6.

Gwilt and the others were released from custody on condition they stay
away from marijuana or any premises, automobile or person where
marijuana is present.

Provincial Court Judge William Kitchen warned the group they could go
to jail if they offended again.

"Next time, I'll hold you in jail," he said. "It seems pretty silly to
be held in jail these days for possession of marijuana."

After the court hearing, Gwilt's lawyer, John Conroy, warned the cafe
not to continue selling pot.

Don Briere, founder of the Canadian Sanctuary Society, which supplies
marijuana to the cafe, was scooped up by police Sunday for allegedly
breaching his parole.

- - Meanwhile, Vancouver City Hall staff and elected officials --
including Mayor Larry Campbell -- have been advised not to talk about
the controversial Da Kine Cafe.

An internal city hall memo, which lists a number of "speaking points,"
states: "The city, nor mayor, nor council can comment on the operation
of the Da Kine Cafe until after the business licence hearing."

Geoff Meggs, executive assistant to the mayor, said yesterday the
advice does not constitute a gag order on staff. "It's just so people
get a fair hearing," said Meggs.

Meggs added "it's standard practice" that staff are told not to speak
on topics that are about to be discussed at hearings. Staff are to
keep an open mind and not prejudge the issue that is to be heard, he
said.

Da Kine's business licence will be discussed at a hearing set for Oct.
6. Council may decide to suspend or revoke the business licence, but
it may also take no action against the cafe.