METHADONE STORES FACE HUGE FEE HIKE

Methadone dispensaries in Surrey will pay 5,000 per cent more for business
licences next year, as the city introduces its most expensive operating
permit ever.

Until now, enterprises that dispense methadone have been classified as
pharmacies and paid $195 per year to operate. On Monday night, city council
endorsed a corporate report recommending methadone dispensaries pay $10,000
per year to conduct business in Surrey.

Currently, the maximum annual business licence fee is $3,000, charged to
body rub parlors, pawn shops, adult entertainment stores and others.

A methadone dispensary is described under Surrey's bylaw as "the business
of selling or filling methadone prescriptions for customers as the primary
purpose..."

About four such businesses exist between 104 Ave. and 108 Ave. near King
George Hwy.

"These businesses have proliferated to an unacceptable level of
concentration in the Whalley City Centre neighbourhood, contributing to its
social and economic stress," city solicitor Craig MacFarlane wrote in a
report to council. He stated the hike is necessary "to help defray the
added police and bylaw (enforcement) costs."

Coun. Dianne Watts says the dispensaries are not adequately controlled and
are often subject to abuse. Frequently, drug addicts take the drug out of
the store and sell it to other addicts, who inject it to get high.

A month-long investigation by The Leader in December 2000 revealed that at
least two local dispensaries were paying addicts cash for their lucrative
methadone prescriptions. That practice has since been shut down by the city
and provincial Pharmacare.

A staff member at Care Point Pharmacy at 13640 105A Ave. was surprised to
hear from The Leader on Tuesday that his cost of doing business was going up.

"Oh really," said Dev, who would not give his last name. He couldn't say
whether the new fee would put Care Point out of business, but said "it's
certainly going to make it hard."

The dispensaries serve an important function, delivering a necessary
treatment for heroin addicts, Dev says.

Taken orally, methadone is used to reduce heroin withdrawal symptoms.