Ontario Safety League Calls for Convenience Stores to Stop Selling Illegal Drug Paraphernalia

TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Safety League today identified the availability of drug pipes and other illegal drug paraphernalia in many convenience stores across Ontario as a serious public safety issue.

Ontario Safety League President and CEO Brian Patterson has taken note of the growing trend of convenience stores openly selling pipes, marijuana grinders and other paraphernalia clearly intended for smoking illegal drugs, like hash, marijuana and crack cocaine. In recent weeks, the League was able to easily purchase nearly 50 pieces of drug paraphernalia at different convenience store locations in Toronto, Newmarket, Aurora, Mississauga, Brampton, Windsor, London, St. Catharine's, Guelph, Cornwall and Ottawa.

"It is irresponsible and illegal for corner stores to openly sell items that enable drug use right beside candy, milk and magazines," said Patterson. "The blatant promotion of pipes and bongs used to smoke marijuana or crack cocaine sends our kids the message that illegal drug use is acceptable." Patterson noted that convenience stores are often located in close proximity to our elementary and secondary schools.

Patterson is encouraging members of the public to sign the Ontario Safety League's petition (www.notatmystore.ca) and report any convenience stores selling inappropriate drug paraphernalia in their neighbourhood (Twitter #reportyourstore).

"Bottom line, selling drug paraphernalia is illegal and we're calling on convenience stores to say "Not at My Store" and completely remove these products from their shelves," said Patterson.

The Ontario Safety League will contact offending convenience stores, inform them of the community complaint and ask them to stop selling drug paraphernalia.

About the Ontario Safety League

• Ontario's chief public safety advocate since 1913.
• OSL's mandate is to provide the public with safety information and safety-based programs, including Elmer the Safety Elephant for children, baby sitting courses and a range of innovative safety courses and services for the transportation industry.
• One of North America's most respected leaders in road safety.
• A registered not-for-profit charity.

Public Endorsements

"We need to protect our kids from the easy availability of drug paraphernalia. People, especially youth, assume that if products are sold in a convenience store, then they must be mainstream and legal, but these items have a much more sinister use. We need our neighbourhood conveniences stores to stand up and say 'not at my store.'"
- Monte Kwinter, MPP (York Centre) and former Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services

"What's most worrying to the Partnership for a Drug Free Canada is that drug paraphernalia are often marketed specifically to young people —they're designed with bright colours and cute logos. They may look harmless, but we tell parents that if they find drug paraphernalia in the home it's a strong sign that their child is using illegal drugs."
- Marc Paris, Executive Director, Partnership for a Drug Free Canada (PDFC)

"The bongs, pipes and grinders collected from these stores may be illegal drug paraphernalia. The sale and promotion of instruments for illicit drug use is contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada and shop owners found selling drug paraphernalia could be charged. I support OSL's campaign to bring attention to this important public safety issue."
- Superintendent Ron Taverner, Chair, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Substance Abuse Committee

"Police departments across the province are actively dealing with the issue of drug paraphernalia. Through this campaign, we are supporting the OSL's efforts to educate shop owners and parents about the risks these items present to our communities. We encourage parents to be vigilant and keep an eye out for drug paraphernalia at home and in their neighbourhood."
- Chief Paul Cook, President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

SOURCE: Ontario Safety League

For information or interviews contact:

Brian Patterson, [phone], [email protected]
Zak Paget, [phone]