Head shop ‘legal highs’ to be banned from June

LEGAL alternatives to drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy will no longer be sold in head shops from June onwards, the Government confirmed yesterday.

Drugs Minister John Curran said products such as Snow Blow, White Ice, Magic, Liquid Ecstasy, Spice, Charge+ and BZP derivatives will be banned following the implementation of new legislation.

The crackdown could also result in new planning laws obliging head shops to apply for planning permission, as off-licences must do, and from which they are currently exempt.

The measures come after a storm of criticism levelled at head shops around the country and recent arson attacks against some stores. The growing number of shops opening in smaller towns around the country has also led to a number of protests outside the premises.

In addition to substances banned elsewhere, one so-called “legal high”, mephedrone, will also be banned under the new laws, despite it still being legal in Britain and America. Mr Curran said: “We have seen the proliferation of head shops across the country in recent months.

“My department is currently looking at other measures to regulate this industry by way of planning laws and consumer laws. In addition the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) and the gardaí will continue to monitor products that are sold in head shops.

“Any product that proves to have any detrimental health affects will be added to this controlled list for banning.”

Later, speaking on the News At One on RTÉ Radio One, the minister said there needed to be a multi-agency approach to drug use and the new legislation would also cover online purchases. As for the delay in implementing the ban, he said: “We have to do that under a couple of EU directives as this does involve a restriction of trade.” He said the NACD research group will continue to monitor the range of products being sold which could lead to future product bans. He said the situation needed to be addressed as some stores were now carrying out “home deliveries” in the Dublin area.

“This will be an ongoing issue,” he said, adding that his department would be engaged in ongoing consultation with other countries on the issue.

A spokesperson for Helen Stone, who operates three head shops in Cork and Kerry, said the measures would probably lead to some shops closing and jobs being lost. Head shop owners are due to meet next week in an attempt to form an association with wholesalers and a code of conduct, which can then discuss the measures with Government. The spokesperson said a ban was expected but it was more extensive than many had foreseen. “There are going to be alternatives available. Prohibition is not the way – all it does is push people towards illegal drug operations.”