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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Police presence could spark trouble at Pro-Cannabis rally
Daniel Bardsley The News, Portsmouth
Saturday 11 Aug 2001 Crime: Civic leaders fear trouble as demonstrators gather for Smokey Bears Picnic Civic leaders in South sea are worried that a large police presence at tomorrows Smokey Bears picnic could spark off clashes with demonstrators. The controversial pro-Cannabis rally has been marred by drug smoking and multiple arrests in previous years. Hampshire police has said illegal smokers should expect to suffer the consequences - and dozens of officers are expected to turn up. But Councillor Lynda Symes of Southsea Town Council said the event was "a pretty harmless affair". She added; 'I'm not pro-drugs but it escalates the problem if there is a large police presence. 'It's fairly tongue in cheek - we shouldn't be too bothered about the rally - provided no innocent bystanders get hurt.' Fellow town councillor Irene Strange echoed her views, saying;'There should not be a minimal presence, but there shouldn't be an unduly heavy one either. 'Hopefully those taking part will police themselves.' Southsea town Council chairman Councillor Hugh mason said;'Given the substantial change in attitude nationally over the past 12 months, I would hope the police will be less forceful than in the past.' Former Tory cabinet minister Peter Lilley is among public figures to have called in recent months for the drug to be crimanilised. But Cllr Mason added; 'I do trust there will be sufficient police for public safety and law and order to be maintained.' A Spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said the force would not reveal how many officers are earmarked for the afternoon event, and added; 'We'll police it as we feel necessary. If anyone breaks the laws they can expect to be dealt with.' Alan Gordon, chairman of Hampshire Police federation, said; 'We're here to enforce the law. I don't agree with the decriminalisation of cannabis and neither do the senior officers of this force. If a large police presence is necessary to enforce the law, then any tension will be caused by the demonstrators - not the police. If people collectively get together to break the law, that doesn't make it any better than if they do it individually.' Picnic has attracted controversy since the first year Controversy has dogged the Smokey Bears picnic throughout its eight - year history. Two years ago scuffles broke out when about 50 police squared up to 150 demonstrators. And last year a storm erupted after the march when police wrongly said Jon Neil, 37, had been arrested for possesing drugs, when in fact he had been making fun of an officer wearing a ginger wig. The Southsea resident plans to attend to attend this years event - and he pledged to spend around pounds100 of the pounds1,200 compensation he received from police on buying ice creams and food for the demonstrators.
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