A group committed to public safety says the Ontario government needs to step in to stop convenience stores from selling illegal drug paraphernalia, such as bongs.

"Across Ontario, drug pipes, bongs, grinders and other paraphernalia continue to be available at many convenience stores right beside every-day products, like milk, bread or children's candy," said Bryan Patterson, president and CEO of the Ontario Safety League.

Bryan Patterson of the Ontario Safety League (John Michael McGrath/QP Briefing)

Bryan Patterson of the Ontario Safety League (John Michael McGrath/QP Briefing)

Earlier this year, the OSL sent secret teen shoppers into corner stores at random, and found that children were easily able to buy the items in question. This followed a similar test last year.

"The results were astounding … in 100 per cent of the cases, they were successful in buying the items you see beside me," Patterson told reporters at Queen's Park, with a number of bongs on display.

The OSL wants the provincial government to step in and remove lottery terminals and tickets from any store that sells drug equipment.

Patterson said that the most likely culprits were small, independent corner stores and that no major chains were selling drug paraphernalia. Any sale of "instruments or literature for illicit drug use" is an offence under Section 462.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa said the government currently has the power to remove merchants from the OLG's programs if they're convicted under Sec. 462.2, but not before.

"We want to ensure that gaming products are not abused. More importantly, we want to make sure that our young people are protected within the system. If any retailer is found guilty of any criminal activity, these terminals will be removed," Sousa said.

The Ontario Convenience Stores Association released a statement supporting the status quo.

"The members of the Ontario Convenience Store Association are responsible community retailers and we do not condone the sale of illegal drug paraphernalia," said Dave Bryans, CEO of the OCSA. "We continue to be supportive of the Ontario Safety League’s objective; however, Canadian law already prohibits the sale of these products. Duplicating federal law with provincial measures carrying much lower penalties is unnecessary, and would likely be ineffective."

Patterson said that many convenience stores stock these items on a consignment basis, meaning the shop owner pays nothing for the item unless it sells.

Patterson added that the OSL appreciated the OCSA's support in keeping illegal goods out of stores, but maintains the province should pull lottery tickets out of stores that break the law.

Even if Ottawa decides to decriminalize marijuana, Patterson says Sec. 462.2 is likely to remain in force with other drugs, meaning that OLG will still have a role to play in policing the sale of illegal items.

Ontario Safety League wants OLG to pull lotto tickets from stores that sell bongs

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