RCMP against exempting trading cards from second-hand dealers bylaw

Prince George RCMP is raising concerns about a proposal to exempt trading and collectible cards from a requirement under the city’s second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers bylaw that they be held for 30 days before they can be put up for sale.

City council will consider the idea during its regular meeting on Monday in response to a request from Kelsy Polnik of Game Quest for the exemption, similar to one made in 2014 for video games. In preparing an amendment to the bylaw, city staff consulted with RCMP. Insp. Shaun Wright, who differed with the view that trading cards are the same as video games.

“The concerns are that collectible and trading cards can be quite valuable and can also be quite rare or unique, allowing for identification and return to the rightful owner,” city planning and development manager Ian Wells said in a report to council.

“They may also come with authentication paperwork that adds to the ability of the RCMP to positively identify those items. As such, it is useful for the police to have those items held for the 30-day waiting period, similar to other identifiable items such as electronics with serial numbers.”

Wells advised council to take Wright’s position into account but, for the time being at least, pass the amendment through first and second reading. Once that is done, a public hearing on the issue will be held.