Pubdate: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Steve Berry, The Province Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) DA KINE MARIJUANA CAFE OWNER ARRESTED AGAIN The owner of the controversial Da Kine Smoke and Beverage Shop has been re-arrested. Carol Gwilt was arrested yesterday and charged with breaching her bail conditions, said Vancouver police spokeswoman Const. Sarah Bloor. Bloor said Gwilt was arrested at Commercial and Powell, away from the Commercial Drive cafe. The cafe was raided by Vancouver police Sept. 9 after reports circulated that it was selling marijuana. Gwilt and six employees were arrested and charged with drug offences. They are to appear in court Oct. 6. Gwilt and the others were released from custody on condition they stay away from marijuana or any premises, automobile or person where marijuana is present. Provincial Court Judge William Kitchen warned the group they could go to jail if they offended again. "Next time, I'll hold you in jail," he said. "It seems pretty silly to be held in jail these days for possession of marijuana." After the court hearing, Gwilt's lawyer, John Conroy, warned the cafe not to continue selling pot. Don Briere, founder of the Canadian Sanctuary Society, which supplies marijuana to the cafe, was scooped up by police Sunday for allegedly breaching his parole. - - Meanwhile, Vancouver City Hall staff and elected officials -- including Mayor Larry Campbell -- have been advised not to talk about the controversial Da Kine Cafe. An internal city hall memo, which lists a number of "speaking points," states: "The city, nor mayor, nor council can comment on the operation of the Da Kine Cafe until after the business licence hearing." Geoff Meggs, executive assistant to the mayor, said yesterday the advice does not constitute a gag order on staff. "It's just so people get a fair hearing," said Meggs. Meggs added "it's standard practice" that staff are told not to speak on topics that are about to be discussed at hearings. Staff are to keep an open mind and not prejudge the issue that is to be heard, he said. Da Kine's business licence will be discussed at a hearing set for Oct. 6. Council may decide to suspend or revoke the business licence, but it may also take no action against the cafe. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek