BAN BAKING SODA, ANTIFREEZE?

Stores that knowingly sell baking soda and gasoline antifreeze to addicts
are feeding the drug problem in the West End, says Coun. Harvey Smith.

"I think we should be looking at legislating a ban on the sale of these
products," said Smith (Daniel McIntyre). "They're making it easy by having
it available right around the corner."

Laws about household products that can be used to get high are not new.
Retailers who sell intoxicating substances, such as solvents, to people who
inhale them can lose their licences, under NDP legislation introduced last
year.

But that legislation isn't without problems.

Last November, Roxie Monkman was refused hairspray at a West End grocery
store. She launched a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

The store later apologized.

Dianna Scarth, executive director of the commission, said customers could
have a case against a store if they are refused baking soda or gasoline
anti-freeze.

Someone identified as a crack addict because of a physical characteristic
could launch a complaint, Scarth said.

"The characteristics of a crack addict could apply to other things as well,
like disabilities. How can a store owner make the judgment that this person
is a crack addict rather than this person has a disability?"