East DFW News

The City of Mesquite has passed an ordinance dictating paraphernalia for smoking drugs can only be sold in the city with a conditional use permit.

The ordinance goes into effect March 1 and describes smoking paraphernalia as "certain pipes, bongs and masks known to be used for smoking illegal substances." Tobacco cigarettes, cigars, rolling papers or electronic cigarettes are not considered paraphernalia. Violation of the ordinance is considered a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $2,000 Mesquite reported in a press release.

Requirements include any shop selling paraphernalia must be at least 500 feet from residential areas, schools and churches. Shops are also prohibited from having a drive-through window of advertising. The city intends to contact all the stores that sell paraphernalia and notify them of the ordinance changes along with the requirement for a conditional use permit.

“The very essence of every city is to preserve and enforce good government that provides a safe and secure community for its citizen,” City Manager Cliff Kehely said in a press release. “This zoning ordinance amendment gives us a tool to do that.”