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Parents Want Pipes Pulled From Store Near 2 Schools

SHERIDAN, Colo. (CBS4) - More than two dozen people protested the selling of pipes outside of a Phillips 66 gas station in Sheridan around noon on Saturday.

The station is located on Federal Boulevard at Radcliffe Avenue.

The protesters felt that the station is exposing nearby children to drug paraphernalia. The gas station sells tobacco pipes and says it cards people buying the pipes to make sure they are over the age of 18. But concerned citizens and parents say the pipes are used for illegal drugs as well and the station is close to two schools.

Children stop in all the time to buy snacks and drinks. They held the protest because they feel the children are being exposed to bad influences.

"A major corporation like Phillips 66, if they sell that stuff, well kids are going to think that they can't be that bad," protest organizer Steve Merchant said.

About 45 minutes after the protest started, someone from the station came outside and agreed to not sell the pipes if they people would stop protesting. The protesters left.

The station did not want to comment on camera, but did say that other stations sell the pipes things and didn't understand why they were being targeted.

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