Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 2:34 p.m.
Policy addressing the sale and distribution of smoking paraphernalia in downtown Spokane is now in effect. Under this policy, items like glass pipes and foils can only be sold if naloxone, commonly referred to as “Narcan,” is also provided at no cost at the point of sale.
This policy was established as part of Mayor Lisa Brown’s Community Health Emphasis Area to mitigate the disproportionate public health and secondary neighborhood impacts of the addiction crisis.
Despite being marketed for legal use, these smoking paraphernalia are commonly used to consume illicit substances, including fentanyl.
The implementation of this policy coincides with the start of the voluntary compliance period for the newly established Alcohol Impact Area (AIA). The AIA addresses the impact of off-premises alcohol by seeking to reduce or eliminate the sale of single-serve containers and reduces the sale of alcohol at off-premises alcohol outlets between the hours of 12 am to 2 am. State law already prohibits the sale from 2 am to 6 am. The voluntary compliance period will be in effect for at least six months. Pending compliance, the City may petition the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to request the conditions be made permanent and enforceable.
Relevant complaints and concerns regarding the sales of smoking paraphernalia can be reported to Spokane 311.
