Government and Opposition Senators yesterday backed moves to protect youths from drug dealers.

They passed The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 1997 which provides a 300-metre exclusion zone around schools and the Bermuda College.

The amendment also calls for a 100-metre zone around areas such as parks, video game halls, youth centres, prisons and Hamilton's Washington Lane bus terminal.

Anyone caught dealing drugs in these areas will be hit with extra-stiff penalties.

Opposition Senators, however, said more was needed in tackling drugs.

Senator Neletha (Honey) Butterfield (PLP) said people had to stop turning a blind eye to the seriousness of the problem.

And she believed the legislation had to go further, including other areas where youngsters congregated, such as discos.

Sen. Butterfield wondered how the anti-drugs message was going to get through to young people.

She said it was important for the whole of Bermuda to be seen as an drug-free zone.

Opposition Senate Leader Milton Scott said Bermuda did not have a real war on drugs.

"I don't think we've really begun the war on drugs.'' Sen. Scott said he knew of areas of drug activity where Police should go with security cameras.

The misuse of drugs amendment could well be too late -- the whole of the community had to get involved in fighting the menace, he added.

Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes said the legislation was a step in the right direction.

But he added: "I think the logistics of enforcing it will be difficult.'' Sen. Hughes foresaw controversy and contention over arrests made on the fringes of drug-free zones.

Government Senator Gary Pitman said children as young as 13 and 14 were getting hooked on drugs, causing devastation throughout the community.

Drug dependency led to behaviour problems, with youngsters stealing from family members, he added.

Senator Larry Scott (UBP) said there was a time when Police were terrified about entering certain areas.

"But I think we are turning the corner ... I believe we have reached an apex,'' he added.

Sen. Scott believed the legislation would put another nail in the coffin of drug takers and pushers.

Government Senator Noela Haycock backed the bill, saying drug dealers could not be dealt with harshly enough.

She also praised radio spots which rammed home an anti-drugs message.

Senator Terry Lister (PLP) disagreed with Sen. Larry Scott that Bermuda had reached the apex of the drug problem.

And he said the legislation did not go far enough.

"We must recognise alcohol as a disruptive drug.'' Sen. Lister also called for legislation to stop the sale of cold beers in corner stores.

He pointed out very few "Mister Bigs'' in the drug trade had appeared before the courts.

Independent Senator Alf Oughton hoped any security cameras monitoring drug-free zones would be protected against hooliganism.

Government Senator Yvette Swan said children as young as three were being used as drug couriers.

She also voiced concern that many anti-drug efforts were preaching to the converted.

It was for the judiciary to punish drug dealers to the full extent of the law.

Senate President Albert Jackson also expressed worries about how the provisions of the bill could be monitored.

Government Senate Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte pledged to look into reported claims by a senior Policeman that he knew of between 20 and 30 drug lords in Bermuda.

Some Senators said the Police comments had been reported in the media.

Sen. Milligan-Whyte said she found it "shocking'' the Police could know who the kingpins were and yet do nothing about it.

Also yesterday, Senators passed the Hotels Refurbishment (Temporary Customs Duty Relief) Amendment Act 1997.

The Act broadens the area where hotels can claim customs relief to building new rooms and facilities. In the past it related to items such as furnishings for refurbishment of rooms.

Opposition Senators backed the legislation, although Senator Terry Lister said: "Duty savings must be reinvested in training, bricks and mortar.'' In addition, Senators yesterday passed the Customs Tariff Amendment Act 1997 -- which reduces duty on a range of products -- and deferred the third reading of The Nursing Act 1997.

The Act repeals the 1969 Act and will reconstitute the Nursing Council.

It also looks at nursing registration and qualifications to make it on to the register and the removal of people from the register.

Senators, however, wanted further clarification on a move to make it mandatory for nurses to belong to the Nursing Association.