Approval Granted For New Powers to Tackle ‘Legal Highs’ in Wrexham

New powers to help tackle the sale and distribution of ‘legal highs’ in Wrexham, are to be introduced.

Members of Wrexham Council’s Executive Board yesterday unanimously backed proposals to give the Head of Environment and Planning additional powers to deal with the sale, production and misuse of ‘legal highs’.

The delegated powers fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, which makes it an offence to produce, supply or offer to supply any psychoactive substance if the substance is likely to be used for its psychoactive effects and regardless of its potential for harm.

The new Act does not replace the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 existing laws around illegal controlled drugs will remain the same.

Speaking at yesterday’s meeting, Lead Member for Place, Planning and Public Protection Cllr David Kelly said: “Although the Act came into force on the 6th April, new powers cannot be used until commencement regulations are made by the Secretary of State.

“There are some exemptions, e.g. alcohol caffeine and medicinal products. A psychoactive substance is defined as any substance which is is capable of producing a psychoactive effect of the person who consumes it and is not an exempted substance.”

Cllr Kelly continued onto note that the main intention of the act is to shut down shops and websites that trade in so called legal highs.

Cllr Dana Davies welcomed the introduction the delegated powers, suggesting that they should have been brought into force sooner. She also queried the potential ‘age group’ the restrictions apply to -noting she would like them to apply to young people as well as a deterrent.

However it was confirmed that there was no age restriction.