WHITE ROCK TRIES TO CURB THE BONG SHOW

White Rock is getting tough on the sale of so-called 'drug
paraphernalia' - including bongs and hookahs - within city limits.

Under the Community Charter the city is not allowed to ban the sale
of such goods outright.

But a new amendment to White Rock's business bylaw, given its first
three readings at council Monday, will mean display of the items in
city stores will soon be as limited as that of tobacco products.

The only advertising of such items for sale that will be permitted
will be a small sign - black lettering on a white background -
listing each item with a price, or price range. The sign cannot
include brand names, logos or any other design or symbol.

The amendment also ensures businesses can't sell paraphernalia to
anyone under age 19. The only businesses excluded would be pharmacies
already licensed under the Pharmacies Act.

The amendment defines drug paraphernalia as "any product, equipment,
thing or material of any kind used or designed to be used to produce,
process, package, repackage, store, contain, smoke, inhale, inject,
ingest or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled
substance as defined (by) the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act."

It is similar to one passed by Surrey on June 29, and city manager
Peggy Clark said most Lower Mainland municipalities are investigating
or introducing similar measures.

But the White Rock amendment - which started with a motion introduced
by then-councillor Catherine Ferguson in March 2008 - won't become
law until it receives final adoption.

Before that happens, also as directed by the Community Charter,
affected businesses must be given an opportunity to comment.

Coun. Al Campbell said it is "disappointing" the city has to include
that opportunity.

"I hate to think it's an option," he said. "We're not going to have
this in the city... this is serious business."

Ferguson noted there are at least two businesses in White Rock
catering to the drug paraphernalia trade.

"I feel very strongly about this. These businesses are close to
playgrounds," the mayor said. She added that children involved in the
DARE program - which educates Grade 5 students on the dangers of drug
abuse and strategies for resisting the drug trade - are
understandably confused when they see the products displayed in
corner stores "like candy".

"They are clearly not like candy. These (controlled substances) do a
lot of harm and destroy lives when they are abused."

Under the amendment, offences would be subject to the same fines as
others under the business bylaw - $75 per offence ($50 if paid within
48 hours). Repeat infractions could result in a fine of up to $2,000
or six months in jail.

Coun. Doug McLean asked if the fines could be heavier.

"I wonder if we could make it more of a fine in such an area that
impacts youth and the community," he said.