Jimmy's Convenience fined for selling drug paraphernalia

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -  It appears that Scooby Snax are a Scooby Dooby don’t in Webster. Friday, March 1, the Webster Police department notified Health Department Agent Cathy Liberty that Jimmy’s Convenience Store had been selling small smoking pipes from behind the register, violating Board regulations. On March 4 the health department and police performed an inspection. The owner told Ms.Liberty and the officers present that she was not selling such items. Ms. Liberty asked to look behind the register and found, in plain view, a plastic clear organizer box with a selection of pipes marked with prices on them. These were previously on display and the establishment was fined for having what is classified as drug paraphernalia in the store.

A second offense within twenty-four months carries a $200 fine and a seven-day suspension of all tobacco related products. The board approved the motion to fine and suspend the tobacco permit from March 8 to March 12.

Ms. Liberty also brought to light the fact that the establishment is selling what is called “Scooby Snax.” “This is a potpourri product, not for human consumption. However, it’s a synthetic marijuana, and according to the drug fact sheet here, it’s pretty bad,” she said.

Adults eighteen and over can purchase this product. The board banned the sale of such items when they banned the pipes. According to Ms. Liberty and a fact sheet from the Drug Enforcement Administration, products labeled as ‘herbal incense’ have become popular with teens and young adults. The products are laced with synthetic cannabinoids which, when smoked, have a similar effect as THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. They have a high for potential for abuse and have no medical use in the United States.

The Board and the police are going to look into the issue of this item falling under the DEA as a Class 1 Controlled Substance.

Another issue was the food permit in regard to employees. In order to obtain a food permit the department requires the establishment to have workman’s compensation if they have any employees. The department has been informed on numerous occasions that they do not employ any outside help. Health Agent Tanya Baker performed an inspection a month ago and an unfamiliar name came up in the files. When asked who that person was, the owner stated it was an employee. In order to gain a food and tobacco permit, workman’s compensation is needed for employees. The department will be requesting information on workman’s comp or a cease and desist order to close the store will be issued for Friday at noon.

On April 30, Health Agent Cathy Liberty will be inducted into the Local Public Health Institute. The department congratulated her, recognizing her achievements in her field.

In the medical marijuana issue, guidelines are scheduled to go into effect in May of this year.

The All Star Pub received a one-year food permit.

There were eight confirmed influenza cases reported this month.