Hopes high for an end to headshop legal highs

FINE Gael Deputy Pat Breen is hoping that the ban on headshop products, announced by the Minister for Health and Children this week, will lead to the closure of the one remaining headshop in Ennis.
He added that it is vitally important now that the new legislation banning substances with mood-altering effects sold in headshops will be followed by the introduction of a regular monitoring system of new products which may now be developed.
It has been stated that by the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern that the legislation will very likely close many headshops as most of the substances currently on sale in such premises have been found to contain psycho-altering components.
The headshop, Harmonisation, off Parnell Street in Ennis was closed on Tuesday evening at 6.40pm and again on Wednesday morning at 11am and on Wednesday afternoon at 2.30pm and 4pm. It remains to be seen if it will reopen for business.
Deputy Breen commented, “I welcome the news that the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney has finally acted to ban a list of dangerous substances which were on sale in headshops. I am glad that the minister has finally bowed to public pressure and banned these substances after weeks of peaceful public protests by concerned people including teachers and parents. This ban means that it is now illegal to buy or sell mephedrone, known as Snow or Blow, spice products and products that mimic cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy. Their possession and supply are now illegal and I hope that this will result in the closure of Clare’s only headshop, which is located in Ennis,” he said.
He added, “We must legislate so that no substance for human consumption should be sold across any counter unless it has been approved by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or the Irish Medicine Board”.
On Tuesday, the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern published the main details of the new Criminal Law, which makes it illegal to sell hallucinogenic products. “However, there are many questions which need to be addressed? Will the gardaí be given extra manpower to inspect headshops on a regular basis and arrest those who are found to be in position of illegal drugs? And who is going to ensure that head shops are in compliance with this new legislation? Minister Ahern, Mary Harney and Pat Carey must work together to ensure that the threat posed to our young people by the sale of products in headshops is finally brought to and end,” Deputy Breen added.
Ennis man Seán Hayes, of Sinn Féin, gave a cautious welcome to the ban. “The ban covers a number of the best-selling products and has seen many headshops throughout the State shut their doors since Tuesday. I welcome the move but the Government needs to do more to ensure the permanent end to the selling of legal highs,” he commented.
He has been one of a group of Ennis people who have led the campaign against headshops in recent weeks.
“We need to understand that the ban caught the shop owners by surprise, they weren’t expecting it until June. That is why they have closed their doors. You can be sure that they are working to get alternatives to get around the ban. New products were already coming onto the market at a rate of two a month so they will be able to open up again soon if we don’t follow up on this ban with proper legislation,” he commented.
He added that it is vital that this important first step is followed up quickly.
“The Minister for Justice is talking about having new laws in place by the autumn but that leaves teenagers vulnerable while they are on their summer holidays. He should publish his bill immediately so we can push it through before the summer. We have won this round but the fight is not over, there is huge money to be made by selling these substances so they won’t go away voluntarily. We need to maintain pressure on the Government and continue with our campaign work until head shops are a thing of the past,” Mr Hayes said.