Tough new penalties for ice pipe and bong sales
Published Thursday, 05 July, 2007 at 11:30 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Queensland retailers face fines of up to $10,500 for the sale and supply of ‘ice’ pipes and bong parts under new laws in force from today.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson and Minister for Police Judy Spence today warned retailers and wholesalers to comply with the new laws or face tough penalties.
“From today the sale, supply or display of ‘ice’ pipes, parts of ‘ice’ pipes, bongs or bong parts is illegal in Queensland,” Mr Robertson said.
“These new laws send a strong message to Queenslanders that smoking ice and marijuana is not acceptable.
“More than 300 Queensland outlets such as tobacconists and novelty shops have sold utensils solely used to smoke ice such as glass pipes.
“The display and sale of these pipes only feeds a perception that smoking methamphetamines is an acceptable and regular activity.
“This ban will go a long way in changing this view and diminish the ‘normalisation’ of ice use in our community.”
Ms Spence said Queensland Health and Queensland Police would enforce the ice pipe and bong laws.
“Queensland Health has around 80 environmental health officers around the state who will monitor compliance with the new laws,” she said.
“Health officers may issue $300 on-the-spot fines, or start legal proceedings for breaches of the new laws with a maximum court fine of $10,500.
“Queensland Police will support enforcement where unscrupulous retailers continue to break the law.
“These laws demonstrate that the Beattie Government is serious about getting drugs like ‘ice’ off our streets.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland Health had undertaken an education campaign to inform retailers that ice pipes and bong components should be removed from display and sale.
“I’m pleased that the vast majority of retailers have shown a willingness to comply with the new laws,” he said.
Mr Robertson said the laws were part of the Beattie Government’s Ice-Breaker Strategy and Ice Taskforce.
“The Ice-Breaker Strategy also includes a statewide education campaign to target young people about the dangers of the drug, aiming to prevent use and mitigate addiction,” he said.
“Other measures involve assessing both public and non-government drug treatment facilities and other interventions available across Queensland, and determining special requirements to manage or break the amphetamine habit.
“We are continuing to work with pharmacies to restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine medicines only to people in genuine need of them and with general practitioners to ensure appropriate prescribing of these medicines.”
Further information is available through the Tobacco Hotline on 1800 005 998, which operates from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.
5 July, 2007
MEDIA: Matthew Jutsum 3225 2680 (Minister Robertson)
Troy Davies 3239 6218 (Minister Spence)
Health Minister Stephen Robertson and Minister for Police Judy Spence today warned retailers and wholesalers to comply with the new laws or face tough penalties.
“From today the sale, supply or display of ‘ice’ pipes, parts of ‘ice’ pipes, bongs or bong parts is illegal in Queensland,” Mr Robertson said.
“These new laws send a strong message to Queenslanders that smoking ice and marijuana is not acceptable.
“More than 300 Queensland outlets such as tobacconists and novelty shops have sold utensils solely used to smoke ice such as glass pipes.
“The display and sale of these pipes only feeds a perception that smoking methamphetamines is an acceptable and regular activity.
“This ban will go a long way in changing this view and diminish the ‘normalisation’ of ice use in our community.”
Ms Spence said Queensland Health and Queensland Police would enforce the ice pipe and bong laws.
“Queensland Health has around 80 environmental health officers around the state who will monitor compliance with the new laws,” she said.
“Health officers may issue $300 on-the-spot fines, or start legal proceedings for breaches of the new laws with a maximum court fine of $10,500.
“Queensland Police will support enforcement where unscrupulous retailers continue to break the law.
“These laws demonstrate that the Beattie Government is serious about getting drugs like ‘ice’ off our streets.”
Mr Robertson said Queensland Health had undertaken an education campaign to inform retailers that ice pipes and bong components should be removed from display and sale.
“I’m pleased that the vast majority of retailers have shown a willingness to comply with the new laws,” he said.
Mr Robertson said the laws were part of the Beattie Government’s Ice-Breaker Strategy and Ice Taskforce.
“The Ice-Breaker Strategy also includes a statewide education campaign to target young people about the dangers of the drug, aiming to prevent use and mitigate addiction,” he said.
“Other measures involve assessing both public and non-government drug treatment facilities and other interventions available across Queensland, and determining special requirements to manage or break the amphetamine habit.
“We are continuing to work with pharmacies to restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine medicines only to people in genuine need of them and with general practitioners to ensure appropriate prescribing of these medicines.”
Further information is available through the Tobacco Hotline on 1800 005 998, which operates from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.
5 July, 2007
MEDIA: Matthew Jutsum 3225 2680 (Minister Robertson)
Troy Davies 3239 6218 (Minister Spence)