ORD 1037 - Laserfiche WebLink

§4-8.51 Purpose. The illegal use of controlled substances within the City of Pleasanton, especially by minors, has reached epidemic proportions. It is estimated that 50 percent of all persons arrested in Pleasanton, and 70-80 percent of all minors, are in possession of drug paraphernalia. Drug use is causing serious impairment of educational achieve- ment among the youth of the community as well as impairing the efficiency of the educational system, is increasing nondrug related crime, especially by minors, and is threatening the ability of the community to ensure future generations of responsible and productive adults, all to the detriment of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Pleasanton. The display and availability of drug paraphernalia glamorizes drug use, especially among youths and intensifies the problem of illegal use of controlled substances. Present local ordinances and State laws attempting to limit the accessi- bility of drug paraphernalia to minors by restricting its display have proven totally ineffective not only in limiting accessibility of drug paraphernalia to minors but even to limiting the view of paraphernalia by minors. Effective enforcement of regulations limiting the view of paraphernalia by minors would require police manpower levels far beyond the ability of the community to provide and have proven to be unenforceable by sales personnel. The problem of illegal consumption of controlled substances by adults is also substantial. Ceasing the encouragement to drug abuse which the display and distribution of drug paraphernalia create among adults would ameliorate this problem as well as eliminate a dichotomy between minors and adults which serves to undermine attempts to curb abuse among minors. This article is necessary to discourage and minimize the illegal use of controlled substances within the City of Pleasanton. §4-8.52 Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall be ascribed the following meanings: a. "Business" means a fixed location, whether indoors or outdoors, at which merchandise is offered for sale at retail. b. "Controlled substance" means those controlled sub- stances set forth in Sections 11054, 11055, 11056, 11057 and 11058 of the California Health and Safety Code, identified as Schedules I through V, inclusive, as said sections now exist or may hereafter be amended. c. "Display" means to show to a patron or place in a manner so as to be available for viewing or inspection by a patron. -4-