METHS CONTROLS GO AHEAD

Two bylaws restricting methadone dispensing to hospital zones were given
preliminary approval by Delta council Monday night.

The regulations, which tighten zoning and business bylaws requirements, are
a response to a Surrey crackdown against pharmacies that make
methadone-selling their primary business. Delta councillors say they want to
ensure the Surrey dispensaries don't relocate to neighbouring Delta as a
result.

"We don't want the kind of problems our neighbours to the east have been
struggling with," Coun. Scott Hamilton said.

Last November, Surrey hiked the price of a methadone dispensing business
licence from $195 per year to $10,000 because of concerns the stand-alone
methadone dispensaries are poorly regulated, and attract addicts addicted to
other drugs.

Kip Gaudry, Delta's manager of development, said there has only been one
application by an individual wishing to sell methadone in Delta so far and
it has not been approved.