Ice pipes, bong components banned
By Roberta Mancuso
February 05, 2007 04:53pm
SHOPS that sell pipes used to smoke the drug known as ice will face penalties of up to $10,500 under new Queensland laws banning the utensils.
Premier Peter Beattie today said Cabinet approved amendments to the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 which will also close a loophole that had allowed retailers to sell separate parts of cannabis utensils such as "bongs".
The laws will be introduced to state Parliament this week.
Mr Beattie said the ban on ice pipes was part of his Government's "ice-breaker strategy" and ice taskforce, which was announced late last year.
"We are doing everything in our power to remove this killer drug off our streets through a number of measures including new legislation," Mr Beattie said.
"Ice or crystal meth is fast becoming the drug of choice among a growing number of people from different backgrounds. It is highly addictive, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly."
A 2004 household survey estimated more than 95,000 Queenslanders had used methamphetamines, such as ice, in the previous 12 months.
More than 278,000 Queenslanders had at least tried the drug, which causes serious short and long-term physical and mental harm.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said more than 500 Queensland outlets such as tobacconists and novelty shops sold utensils solely used to smoke ice such as glass pipes.
He said under the legislation retailers who sell, supply or display an ice pipe would be liable for a $300 on-the-spot fine or a maximum court fine of $10,500.
Information will be distributed to retailers about the new laws, informing them that pipes should be immediately removed from display and sale.
A statewide education campaign warning about the danger of the drug will follow.
"The first phase will target universities during orientation week this month and other tertiary education institutions," Mr Robertson said.