CITY WANTS BONGS OUT OF SHOP WINDOWS

Surrey Targets Drug Paraphernalia

Surrey plans to clamp down on head shops.

City solicitor Craig MacFarlane has drafted an amendment to Surrey's
business licence bylaw that, if adopted by council, would restrict the
display and sale of drug paraphernalia.

Surrey Coun. Marvin Hunt says the city has been getting an increasing
number of complaints from the public about the proliferation of these
shops.

Typically, when the city gets a complaint about drug gear displayed
openly in shop windows, staff dispatches a bylaw officer to deal with
the merchant.

"They usually comply voluntarily. It's usually not a problem, but
what's been happening, it's just been proliferating and we've just
been getting more and more of it," Hunt said.

So, the city has decided to crack down.

The new rules would ban the display of drug paraphernalia in shop
windows or anywhere inside or outside the premises where it could be
seen.

As well, the amendment would prohibit the sale of these items to
anyone under the age of 19, with the exception of premises that are
licensed as a pharmacy under the Pharmacists Act.

Hunt admits the amendment has loopholes, but maintains it's a good
start.

He noted the city has to tread gently to ensure the proposed bylaw
isn't in contravention of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"I would like it much stronger but by the same token we have to start
with this small step and work from there," he said.

Business owners will be given a chance to voice their views on the
proposed bylaw.

Council was expected to debate the issue at last night's meeting.