PARAPHERNALIA LAW PROMOTES FAMILY FRIENDLY AREA

The communities of Topsail Island and those who market the area tout
the island as being a family friendly place to live and visit. Last
week Surf City took another step in promoting the family friendly
atmosphere by creating an ordinance that makes it illegal to sell
drug paraphernalia such as bongs and crack pipes within city limits.

Before the ban, drug paraphernalia commonly used to smoke illegal
drugs could be found in several area gift stores. When questioned
about the items, shop owners said they would pull them from the
shelves. The new law ensures that everyone abides by the plan.

Not only does the law make it illegal to sell drug paraphernalia, it
also makes it illegal for anyone within Surf City limits to
advertise, manufacture, possess or deliver drug paraphernalia.

While the paraphernalia in and of itself is not illegal, it promotes
activities that are. Banning the possession of drug paraphernalia
should go a long way in helping police to keep drugs off Topsail Island .

District Attorney Ben David told the Surf City Town Council that he
supported the new law and would fully prosecute those who broke it.

"This gets at habitual users," said David. "This says where there is
the smoke of paraphernalia; there is the fire of drugs."

The new law is a good one. Not only does it promote the family
friendly atmosphere to visitors of the island, it also protects the
families who already live there.