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25/02/2010
Head Shops Face Crackdown
Currently available "legal highs" at so called 'head shops' are facing a crackdown from the Government.
Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The junior minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy chaired a meeting of the British-Irish Council in the Isle of Man which focused on the controversy surrounding head shops and the availability of drugs in prisons.
The Labour Party has joined the move against the stores announcing the first stage of a Private Members Bill to restrict more stores from being established.
Under the terms of Bill, the Planning and Development Bill, specific planning permission would be required for a change of use of a premises to open either a head shop or a sex shop.
Labour Deputy, Joe Costello, who moved the first stage of the Bill in the Dail today said:
"There has been huge concern expressed about the spread of so-called Head Shops are selling products which are not covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act, but which clearly mimic illegal drugs. These substances have damaging physical and psychological effects on those who consume or inject those products.
"Under existing planning legislation local authorities are powerless to control the location of these premises. Because no specific planning permission is required for change of use from one existing retail function to another, members of local communities have no opportunity whatsoever to express any concerns they might have."
(DW/GK)
Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The junior minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy chaired a meeting of the British-Irish Council in the Isle of Man which focused on the controversy surrounding head shops and the availability of drugs in prisons.
The Labour Party has joined the move against the stores announcing the first stage of a Private Members Bill to restrict more stores from being established.
Under the terms of Bill, the Planning and Development Bill, specific planning permission would be required for a change of use of a premises to open either a head shop or a sex shop.
Labour Deputy, Joe Costello, who moved the first stage of the Bill in the Dail today said:
"There has been huge concern expressed about the spread of so-called Head Shops are selling products which are not covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act, but which clearly mimic illegal drugs. These substances have damaging physical and psychological effects on those who consume or inject those products.
"Under existing planning legislation local authorities are powerless to control the location of these premises. Because no specific planning permission is required for change of use from one existing retail function to another, members of local communities have no opportunity whatsoever to express any concerns they might have."
(DW/GK)
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26 January 2010
Legislation Tackling 'Legal Highs' Considered
The junior minister with responsibility for drugs strategy has said changes to legislation will be considered in clamping down on so-called "head shop" products. The stores sell legal drugs mimicking the effects of substances like cannabis and ecstasy.
Legislation Tackling 'Legal Highs' Considered
The junior minister with responsibility for drugs strategy has said changes to legislation will be considered in clamping down on so-called "head shop" products. The stores sell legal drugs mimicking the effects of substances like cannabis and ecstasy.
12 January 2010
Fine Gael Urge Strict Regulation For Head Shops
A Fine Gael spokesman has called for stricter regulations for Ireland's head shops. The party's spokesperson on the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne, said today said that it was "blindingly obvious" that head shops, which sell natural mood enhancers and drugs, require strict regulation because of the dangers of the products they sell.
Fine Gael Urge Strict Regulation For Head Shops
A Fine Gael spokesman has called for stricter regulations for Ireland's head shops. The party's spokesperson on the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne, said today said that it was "blindingly obvious" that head shops, which sell natural mood enhancers and drugs, require strict regulation because of the dangers of the products they sell.
15 February 2010
Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
12 February 2010
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
04 February 2010
McDaid Says Headshop Ban 'Huge Mistake'
A Fianna Fail TD has broken ranks by claiming the banning of headshops "is not the way forward". Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
McDaid Says Headshop Ban 'Huge Mistake'
A Fianna Fail TD has broken ranks by claiming the banning of headshops "is not the way forward". Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
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