City bans bongs, pipes to regulate drug use
Noah Cohen and Ali Qari
Issue date: 2/2/07 Section: News
Philadelphia Mayor John Street signed a law tightening regulations on drug paraphernalia Jan. 30 after the City Council unanimously ratified the bill.
The "Blunt Ban" prohibits the selling of any cigarette, cigar, tiparillo, cigarillo or other tobacco products, singly or in packages of fewer than three in Philadelphia convenience stores.
The law, which is aimed at keeping drug accessories out of the hands of kids, also outlaws the sale of bongs, pipes and any other products which could be construed as paraphernalia within 500 feet of schools, community centers and churches in Philadelphia.
The anti-paraphernalia legislation was championed by Jerry Rocks, a 32-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and anti-crime activist. Rocks founded "Not in my Neighborhood," the group that has pushed Philadelphia convenience stores to pull items that could be used for illegal drug use. Educating citizens and changing laws are among the priorities of the organization, according to Rocks, who currently works in the district attorney's office.
Rocks say he believes this legislation will help to address what he calls "quality-of-life crime," which he says is a major problem in the city.
"This is about protecting our kids, stopping the small crime in the area," he said.
Rocks also sees a connection between drugs and the city homicide rate.
"I would say 70 percent of the homicides have some dealing with drugs," speculated Rocks.
In addition to regulating the sale of bongs, pipes and singly sold tobacco products, the new law also covers flavored tobacco products. The law specifically bans "any flavored cigarette, cigar, tiparillo, cigarillo or other tobacco product."
Rocks says that he believes that those products are aimed at children.
"I don't know any old women who smoke watermelon blunts and any old men that smoke blueberry and raspberry blunts," said Rocks.
The penalty for businesses selling the prohibited items can include a $1500 fine and closure of the business.
The "Blunt Ban" prohibits the selling of any cigarette, cigar, tiparillo, cigarillo or other tobacco products, singly or in packages of fewer than three in Philadelphia convenience stores.
The law, which is aimed at keeping drug accessories out of the hands of kids, also outlaws the sale of bongs, pipes and any other products which could be construed as paraphernalia within 500 feet of schools, community centers and churches in Philadelphia.
The anti-paraphernalia legislation was championed by Jerry Rocks, a 32-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and anti-crime activist. Rocks founded "Not in my Neighborhood," the group that has pushed Philadelphia convenience stores to pull items that could be used for illegal drug use. Educating citizens and changing laws are among the priorities of the organization, according to Rocks, who currently works in the district attorney's office.
Rocks say he believes this legislation will help to address what he calls "quality-of-life crime," which he says is a major problem in the city.
"This is about protecting our kids, stopping the small crime in the area," he said.
Rocks also sees a connection between drugs and the city homicide rate.
"I would say 70 percent of the homicides have some dealing with drugs," speculated Rocks.
In addition to regulating the sale of bongs, pipes and singly sold tobacco products, the new law also covers flavored tobacco products. The law specifically bans "any flavored cigarette, cigar, tiparillo, cigarillo or other tobacco product."
Rocks says that he believes that those products are aimed at children.
"I don't know any old women who smoke watermelon blunts and any old men that smoke blueberry and raspberry blunts," said Rocks.
The penalty for businesses selling the prohibited items can include a $1500 fine and closure of the business.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
French Stewart
posted 2/02/07 @ 9:18 AM EST
This is probably at the top of my list of things that I don't care about.
Derek
posted 2/07/07 @ 11:37 PM EST
This new bill acts as another barrier to keep business out of Philadelphia, and just like the business privilege tax it will drive businesses out of Philadelphia. (Continued…)
alexhaffey
Buy Thesis
posted 7/29/09 @ 7:26 AM EST
"I would say 70 percent of the homicides have some dealing with drugs," that is really interesting!
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