The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) has welcomed reports the UK Government could implement a ban on direct-to-consumer sales of Nitrous Oxide.
The trade body has been campaigning for legitimate uses in industry and healthcare to be protected, but retail sales of the gas to be banned since March 2020.Its work resulted in dialogue with former Home Secretary Priti Patel, who triggered a review of current legislation by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).In October, the BCGA wrote to Home Secretary Suella Braverman MP reiterating calls for a ban, and receiving assurance from Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire at the Home Office, that the Government would consider ACMD’s advice carefully, before making a decision.
The results of the ACMD review have not yet been announced, but reports indicated a ban may be introduced as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.BCGA Chief Executive Ellen Daniels said: “We welcome reports that the Prime Minister and his Government have heard our concerns around the misuse of Nitrous Oxide and offer our help and support to any plans that would introduce a retail ban while protecting legitimate uses in areas including dental, healthcare, motorsport and industry, as well as catering and hospitality settings.
She said, as a trade body, the BCGA has been campaigning for almost three years for a change in the law that would drive down Nitrous Oxide abuse. Daniels highlighted the dangers in a column for gasworld in October 2020, and archive reports on the dangers of ‘laughing gas’ go back to 2008.
Nitrous oxide: The case for a ban on consumer sales (gasworld.com)
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