PIPE-FIGHTER APPLAUDED

Dear Editor,

Bob King Stierle is to be commended for his efforts to convince corner
stores to discontinue the sale of drug paraphernalia.

What was once something found only in head shops in Gastown now
appears to be standard stock in many corner stores, most of them
within blocks of schools.

We strive to keep our kids educated about the perils of drug use, so
it's counter-productive to the goals of a community to have the local
corner store selling such items, particularly with the alarming trend
of crystal meth and crack.

Residents need to remember they can make a difference. Let store
owners know that you don't appreciate the sale of crack pipes, scales,
and bongs under the guise of tobacco products.

Tell them you don't want kids buying candy sold next to crack pipes.
Let them know you'd rather give your business to the local Mac's,
7-11, or other convenience stores that don't stoop to those levels.

Social responsibility is everyone's business.

The situation certainly isn't limited to corner stores in Surrey.
Interestingly enough, when the Parents Advisory Council of my son's
Langley school sent a letter and attempted to discuss the matter with
the proprietor of a nearby store, he too, suddenly found his English
skills too poor to understand the request.

MICHELE LAVERY

Cloverdale