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Laughing gas is no laughing matter

Just say N20

Wednesday, 9 May 2007

Manchester Pub & Club Network are warning Licensees and managers to contact Health & Safety enforcement teams about the legality of supplying/authorising the supply of nitrous oxide for inhalation in Licensed premises.

Phil Burke, Spokesperson for the Network, said that Nitrous oxide is increasingly being sold at festivals and in nightclubs up and down the country.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a dissociative drug that can give pain relief, cause euphoria, dizziness, flanging of sound, and slight hallucinations. Whilst nitrous oxide is not itself a dangerous substance, recreational users typically don't mix it with air or oxygen (as would happen in the dentist's chair) and clubbers may therefore risk injury or even death from lack of oxygen.

According to Burke is an offence under s.52 Medicines Act to supply the gas for inhalation - the maximum sentence being two years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Club owners allowing individuals to supply the gas on their premises could be prosecuted for aiding and abetting an offence.

He warns that club owners should therefore take steps to prevent their premises being used for the inhalation of nitrous oxide and suggests that any concerns should be communicated to the Licensing Authority or to the Police.

For further information contact:
Phil Burke - 07968 203 271 - Manchester Pub & Club Network
Anthony Horne, Richard Williams, Carrol Ashton  Licensing Legal Solicitors on 0161 237 9961