Pubdate: Sat, 08 Feb 2014
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2014 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/send_a_letter
Website: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Aldo Santin
Page: B1

CITY COUNCILLOR SEEKS ZONING FOR HEAD SHOPS

Would Require Public Hearings Before Being Allowed to Open

A likely candidate for mayor in the October election said city hall 
should have a role to play in where head shops can operate in Winnipeg.

Coun. Scott Fielding, chairman of the Winnipeg Police Board, said 
there is concern within the community when businesses legitimately 
selling merchandize that can be used for the enjoyment of illegal 
drugs set up close to schools.

"I think through zoning, we can control where they are going," he said.

Fielding (St. James-Brooklands) was commenting on news reports the 
owner of Hemp Haven, an Elmwood store, was charged with selling drug 
paraphernalia, and the owner of the popular Osborne Village store 
Wild Planet said the apparent police crackdown is prompting him to 
sell his business.

Fielding said these businesses should be regulated on a 
conditional-use basis, which would require the holding of a public hearing.

Fielding said the liberalization of drug laws is being discussed at 
all levels of government and society, adding the issue in Winnipeg is 
where they are operating -- not whether they should be operating.

The zoning would not restrict what head shops can sell, but where 
they are located, he said.

"A conditional use would allow it in certain areas but would call for 
a public hearing," Fielding said following Friday's police board meeting.

"If there is a lot of concern from residents... people can come out 
and have their say and then council can make a decision in terms of 
the locations."

Deputy police chief Dave Thorne said he couldn't say whether the WPS 
has launched a city-wide crackdown on head shops, adding charges 
against the Elmwood operator were prompted by complaints from several 
area residents.

Winnipeg police are denying claims by owners of local head shops 
police have launched a crackdown aimed at putting them out of business.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Winnipeg police said it 
"wishes to clarify that there have not been any widespread 'raids' 
targeting these outlets, nor has there been a demand that these 
businesses cease operations."

Police said only one person has been charged in connection with "a 
specific incident at one of these retail outlets.

"Since the spring of 2013, officers have been visiting many of the 
local stores to discuss complaints brought forward by community 
members, organizations and school administrators," the statement said.

"Our goal throughout this process has been to keep the peace, respond 
to community concerns and to work with local business owners to 
ensure they are aware of the concerns that have been brought forward.

"The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to working with business 
owners and concerned community stakeholders to address the matter."

- -- with files by Kevin Rollason
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom