BONGS TO BE BANNED FROM DISPLAY IN WHITE ROCK SHOPS

Hey, where's my bong, man?

White Rock is about to join the parade of municipalities enlisting in
the war on drugs by restricting the display and advertising of drug
paraphernalia in local stores.

Provincial legislation doesn't give cities the power to ban the sale
of bongs, hookahs, superchargers, roach clips, etc., but it does let
them outlaw their display on shelves or counters.

White Rock is in the process of amending its business licence bylaw to
force shops to get such merchandise out of sight and to limit
advertising to small signs listing only what's available and price. No
graphics are permitted on the signs, which cannot be visible from
outside the store.

Violators would face penalties starting with a $75 fine and rising as
high as a $2,000 fine and six months behind bars for repeat offenders.

Affected shopkeepers opposed to the new rules will be given a chance
to pitch their case to White Rock council before the bylaw amendment
is finalized.

- - Meanwhile, White Rock RCMP are bumping up their enforcement during
the summer months. They'll be setting up regular road checks along
Marine Drive, looking for alcohol and drugs and making sure motorists
obey noise bylaws.