HAY RIVER - The Town of Hay River is considering seeking a legal opinion on whether it can ban roadside vendors selling drug-related paraphernalia.

Mayor Kelly Schofield suggested the town look into whether it can legally pass such a bylaw.

At the Feb. 8 meeting of council, Schofield explained he wanted to stop the sale of marijuana flags, knives and various drug tools, such as pipes and roach clips.

"We need to try to protect our kids," he said.

Schofield's idea got support from council.

"I think it would be a laudable effort," said Coun. Ken Latour.

However, the councillor noted people in cities haven't been able to abolish so-called head shops.

"I think it would be tricky," Latour said.

Council will vote on a motion to seek a legal opinion at its next meeting on Feb. 22.

Schofield, who has been quite open about his own past drug use, said he was attracted to such roadside sales as a young person, and he believes the items promote drug use and violence.

However, he recognizes it may be a hard to ban the sale of items which by themselves are not illegal.

"I know it's going to be a difficult thing to do," he said. "But I think it's worth trying."

Schofield said each year, two or three vendors visit Hay River to sell their "immoral" wares in parking lots and on the sides of roadways.

The mayor said he is not trying to stop roadside stalls selling things like clothes and fruit.

Travelling salespeople need a business licence to operate in Hay River.

However, the business licence bylaw does not regulate the types of businesses or the merchandise they can sell.