2 charged for selling mouthwash, hairspray as drinks
Last Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2009 | 7:56 PM CT
CBC News
Two people at a Winnipeg convenience store have been charged for selling mouthwash and hairspray as intoxicating substances to substance abusers.
A man, 61, and woman, 52, who are believed to be the store owners, were charged under the Liquor Control Act for selling non-potable intoxicating substances as beverages, and under the Canada Tobacco Act for selling cigarettes in packages of less than 20.
A search warrant for the St. Matthew's Food Centre in the city's West End was issued on Oct. 29.
Const. Jason Michalyshen, a police spokesman, said officers found hairspray and mouthwash were allegedly being sold to people the staff members knew would be drinking it.
The products were also being sold at inflated prices and sometimes the staff members would allow customers to purchase a couple of loose cigarettes rather than a whole pack, he said.
Area residents complained to police after people who drank the products were urinating and defecating nearby, Michalyshen said, adding the empty bottles were strewn all over.
Police seized a quantity of mouthwash and hairspray from the store during the search.
The man and woman were released on a summons to appear in court at a later date.
