Pubdate: Fri, 12 May 2006 Source: Chilliwack Progress (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Chilliwack Progress Contact: http://www.theprogress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/562 Auithor: Robert Freeman Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?228 (Paraphernalia) HYDROPONIC SALES ON LMMA AGENDA A proposal to regulate the sale of hydroponic equipment and drug paraphernalia is one of 14 resolutions that delegates to the Lower Mainland Municipal Association are considering this week in Harrison Hot Springs. A similar proposal in Chilliwack was scuttled by city councillors after hydroponic merchants threatened legal action over what they called the draft bylaw's "gestapo-esque" invasion of privacy. B.C. Privacy Commissioner David Loukadelis also had concerns about the city bylaw. The LMMA resolution, if approved by the delegates, would ask the B.C. government to amend the Community Charter to give "clear authority" to municipalities to impose requirements on businesses selling hydroponics and drug paraphernalia similar to those imposed on second-hand businesses. A Chilliwack bylaw aimed at pawnshops and second-hand stores was approved by council last year and requires merchants to obtain customers' personal information and to identify items bought or sold for electronic submission to police authorities in an attempt to stem the trade in stolen goods. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin