Retailers supported in the drive to tackle solvent abuse

An initiative to support retailers and help them in refusing to sell solvents to young people was launched today by the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) as part of the drive to prevent young people from misusing solvents.

Maureen Gardner, Director of Communications for the HPA, said: “More teenagers here die from solvent abuse than from taking Ecstasy and cocaine. This latest initiative involves supporting retailers in refusing to sell solvents to young people and also aims to make them aware of the legislation regarding the sale of solvents.

“By controlling the sale of these products it will be more difficult for young people to obtain them and in turn will help prevent them from misusing solvents.”

Recently, butane gas lighter refills have been the biggest killer and there is a complete ban on the sale of these to under-18s. The law states that retailers must not sell gas lighter refills to anyone under 18, and they must also refuse to sell any product they think might be used by a young person to 'get high'. The penalty for breaking either law is a maximum fine of £5,000 or up to six months imprisonment - or both.

Over the next month an information pack produced by the HPA will be distributed to retailers by the Environmental Health Departments of local Councils. The pack includes a leaflet entitled Solvent abuse – a guide for retailers, which provides facts, figures and information about the legislation surrounding the issue and suggestions on how to cope with difficult situations in shops. Also included in the pack are display materials that highlight the law regarding the sale of solvents and warn that solvent abuse can kill.

Ms Gardner concluded: “Parents were targeted earlier this year to make them aware of the problem of solvent abuse. We hope this latest initiative will not only help in controlling the sale of solvents to young people, but will also remind parents and young people about the dangers of solvent abuse.”

There have been 76 solvent-related deaths in Northern Ireland since 1971, and the latest figures show four deaths in the year 2001. The National Drugs Helpline 0800 77 66 00 can be contacted for help and advice relating to solvents.

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