New Bill on Headshops is “far-reaching” - Browne

Wexford Fianna Fáil T.D. John Browne has described the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill as “far-reaching legislation” that will protect young people from dangerous Headshop products

“This Bill will protect the public from dangerous substances. It gives powers to the Gardaí and the courts to intervene quickly and prevent Headshops from selling dangerous products by using prohibition orders.”

“I’m pleased to see that there are strong sanctions as part of this legislation including heavy fines and up to five years imprisonment.”

“The Government has taken a multi-pronged approach to targeting the activities of Headshops. This Bill will act in addition to Misuse of Drugs Act which was used in recent weeks to expand the list of banned substances.”

“Parents have been hugely concerned about Headshops and the dangerous products they’re selling. We have seen reports of very serious anxiety and psychosis in some people who have consumed these substances and the emergence of new drugs such as WHACK.”

“This is ground-breaking legislation and I know it will be widely welcomed as a measure to protect the public.”

“I look forward to seeing the legislation passed very soon and seeing these Headshops closed down," concluded Deputy Browne.