This one almost escaped my notice. I did not see mention of it here so I felt that I should post it. AfaIK, this would not only see the closure of all "head shops" in the state of Florida, but also prohibit any store - other than tobacco shops - from selling such merchandise (even if it is just a very small part of their merchandise). To me such a law seems wrong because it goes farther than "just" prohibiting the sales of items that are specifically advertised/sold as paraphernalia (which, arguably, a state and/or locality has the right to decide) - it dictates which stores can and cannot sell certain items whether or not they are found to be illegal in and of themselves. For example, a store that does business in pipe tobacco, but does not focus almost exclusively on tobacco sales (to wit: less than 75% of its sales) would not be allowed to sell a pipe to go along with that tobacco.
Surprisingly (or perhaps not, considering the state), there does not seem to be much information available on the Internet about this.
Here is the relevant text of the article, as posted:
In an effort to crack down on pipe and bong sales at head shops, the Senate on Wednesday unanimously voted to ban such sales unless 75% of store sales come from tobacco.
Senate Bill 366 would also require that store owners hold a tobacco-sales license and make no more than 25% of their revenue from selling pipes and other smoking devices.
Senators voted 36-0 to pass the bill sponsored by Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville.
An identical bill (HB 187) is poised for the House floor.
Source: Florida House approves animal protection bill
Date published: April 21, 2010
Author: Josh Hafenbrack
Publication: Sun Sentinel
Surprisingly (or perhaps not, considering the state), there does not seem to be much information available on the Internet about this.
Here is the relevant text of the article, as posted:
In an effort to crack down on pipe and bong sales at head shops, the Senate on Wednesday unanimously voted to ban such sales unless 75% of store sales come from tobacco.
Senate Bill 366 would also require that store owners hold a tobacco-sales license and make no more than 25% of their revenue from selling pipes and other smoking devices.
Senators voted 36-0 to pass the bill sponsored by Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville.
An identical bill (HB 187) is poised for the House floor.
Source: Florida House approves animal protection bill
Date published: April 21, 2010
Author: Josh Hafenbrack
Publication: Sun Sentinel