Pubdate: Sun, 24 Sep 2006
Source: News Tribune, The (Tacoma, WA)
Copyright: 2006 Tacoma News Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenewstribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/442
Author: Brent Champaco

GIG HARBOR MOVES TO BAN BONGS, PIPES

It Could Soon Be A Crime To Sell Pipes, Bongs, Hookahs  And Other 
Drug Paraphernalia In Gig Harbor.

The city Police Department is proposing new laws aimed  at stopping 
the over-the-counter sale of those items.  Parents began complaining 
last year that their kids  were buying them fairly easily.

The proposal won't stop grandpa from buying a corncob  pipe, but it 
prohibits anything else used for  marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine 
and other drugs.

Owners argue those items are used strictly for tobacco,  but police 
aren't buying it.

"I don't know of anyone smoking cigarettes who puts  them in a bong," 
said Police Chief Mike Davis. "This is  all about what a reasonable 
person would feel."

WHAT: Gig Harbor's proposal to ban pipes and other 
drug  paraphernalia sales at local stores.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday at the Gig Harbor City Council meeting.

WHERE: Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St.

WHAT'S THE PUNISHMENT? Police would check the city's  smoke shops, 
convenience stores and other businesses. A  storeowner caught selling 
drug paraphernalia would be  hit with a $100 civil infraction. If it 
happens again  within two years, the person would be arrested for a 
gross misdemeanor.

HOW PREVALENT IS THE PROBLEM? The Peninsula has about  three smoke 
shops that sell the merchandise -- two in  Gig Harbor, Davis said.

HAVE OTHER STEPS BEEN TAKEN? Davis said his department  has been 
working with the Key Peninsula detachment of  the Pierce County 
Sheriff's Department to find a  solution. The departments met with 
and tried to educate  smoke-store owners, but police say some are 
still selling the merchandise.

DO OTHER CITIES ALLOW THESE ITEMS? Tacoma banned the  sale of drug 
paraphernalia two years ago. Pierce County  followed suit this year, 
Davis said.

WHAT EXACTLY WOULD BE BANNED? You can read the proposal  by visiting 
the city's Web site,  www.cityofgigharbor.net. Click on "Public 
Meetings" and  follow the links.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine