GANG COLOUR BAN SOUGHT FOR BARS

It might soon be illegal to wear gang colours in bars and pubs.

Saskatchewan Justice has proposed amendments to the Safer Communities
and Neighbourhoods Act to create a new "gang colours" offence to
hinder potential crime, violence, intimidation and recruitment that
might occur from the gang colours being worn in licensed
establishments.

Justice Minister Frank Quennell said that by trying to implement the
new offence, it saves the bar owners from trying to enforce a gang
rule in their building.

"They will have a law behind them to enforce it," said Quennell,
adding it would make it easier for owners to limit any gang activity
that occurs in bars or pubs.

"It would be an offence enforced by the police. The police know the
gangs in their cities and the colours they are looking for."

Quennell said the amendments are being proposed a year after the act
was implemented.

The act was created in order to provide a way to shut down residential
and commercial property that is habitually used for "specified
activities."

These activities can include producing, growing, selling or using
illegal drugs, prostitution, solvent abuse or unlawful sale and
consumption of alcohol.

"We are amending the legislation to reflect our experiences so far,"
said Quennell, who hopes to have the amendments approved by fall 2006.

"The act is a very useful tool in attacking organized crime and gangs."

Since February, Quennell said about 200 complaints have been made to
the SCAN Act unit. People can call a toll-free number to make a
complaint about a dwelling they feel is making their community unsafe.

The complaint is investigated by the unit, which gathers the evidence
necessary to take action, said Quennell.

Of the 200 investigations, 20 of which were in Prince Albert, 57 have
resulted in direct action.

"We're very excited about the unit," said Quennell.

"It's a very creative way to address the issue of gangs and organized
crime."

Other proposed amendments:

Make it illegal to provide housing or provide support and comfort
to a gang or criminal organization.

Expand the liquor-related uses to include the use, transfer and
exchange of alcohol, not just the sale of it.