Lakeville police want tobacco paraphernalia ordinance

City was urged to more closely regulate rolling papers, pipes and bongs after residents said items are being bought by minors.

By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune

Last update: November 3, 2009 - 4:36 PM

Lakeville police Sgt. Tim Knutson passes this thought on from officers working in the narcotics unit to those few who may still be unaware: People who legally purchase small scales, rolling papers, pipes and bongs are not necessarily doing so to pursue legal activities.

To that end, Lakeville Police Chief Thomas Vonhof believes it might be time for Lakeville to consider a revision of its tobacco laws.

"I think we should look at a paraphernalia ordinance,'' Vonhof told the Lakeville City Council at a council work session on Oct. 26. "I think [the current ordinance] could be better. We should look at something that is separate from the tobacco ordinance.''

Vonhof said in comparing Lake-ville's laws with those of surrounding cities that Lakeville could do a better job of defining drug paraphernalia. Lakeville currently follows the state statute, and Vonhof believes it would benefit the city to follow the lead of other cities.

Purchases by minors at issue

He added that the decision to look into a possible change stems from concerns voiced by residents about such items being purchased by minors.

"We're not looking at regulating what can be sold or how it should be displayed,'' Vonhof said. "Our focus would be on the enforcement of the rules.''

Lakeville has issued 28 tobacco licenses for 2009-10, most of which went to food, drug and liquor stores. Also on the list are HiHi Market and HiHi Tobacco and Market, the two stores in town where "tobacco-related devices" can be purchased.

The city had been considering an ordinance change that would require anyone who purchased tobacco-related devices to provide identification to prove they were at least 18 and to sign a log.

The city asked for public input on the matter between Aug. 17 and Oct. 15. Twelve residents responded, with nine people saying they were against the proposal.

Knutson, who monitored public input, pointed out most of those opposed to the change liked the idea of regulating tobacco-related devices but were against the log. The common thread among the letters (copies of which were included in the police department's presentation at the work session) was that the log infringed on a person's right to privacy.

After hearing the results of the input from citizens the City Council voted not to pursue the ordinance change.

Dean Spiros • 952-882-9203

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