Full details about Laughing gas ban ‘blueprint to tackle antisocial behaviour’
It’s today’s topic
Ministers are reportedly planning to ban the sale and possession of what is known as laughing gas as part of a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The Times reported that under the proposals, drug misuse laws would be updated to allow prosecution of people found with nitrous oxide gas in public.
Under the changes, only those with a “legitimate reason” will be exempt, the newspaper said. Examples given include chefs, who use it for whipped cream or to freeze and cool food.
The substance can also be used as a pain reliever during dental treatment or childbirth.
Current legislation prohibits knowledge or reckless supply of nitrous oxide for inhalation, but there have been calls to ban all direct sales to consumers as part of the law’s tightening of the commonly used drug.
Police Minister Chris Philp is said to be pushing for an ongoing review of nitrous oxide by the Independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to be fast-tracked to April, with suggestions that an official announcement of the ban could be made as part of the government’s antisocial push. Behavior strategy due later this year.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue in his New Year’s address earlier this month, blasting anti-social behavior and highlighting the scourge of discarding “nitrous oxide canisters in children’s playgrounds”.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment on the reported changes.
https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/23277105.laughing-gas-ban-planned-tackle-anti-social-behaviour/?ref=rss
