24 May 2005

Retailers should enforce R18 rule on party pills now

Green MP Nandor Tanczos today called on party pill retailers to ensure that they're selling only to people over the age of 18.

The Health Select Committee yesterday endorsed the Greens' proposal that party pills, such as BZP, be regulated and age-restricted through a new category D in the Misuse of Drugs Act.

"There is likely to be a rush on these substances ahead of the law change, so I call on all retailers to start obeying the intent of the Bill from now on," said Nandor, the Greens' Drug Law Reform Spokesperson.

"That means sticking to STANZ's voluntary code by checking IDs to make sure kids can't score ahead of the age limit's formal introduction.

"The Greens pushed for BZP and other party pills to come under the gamut of the Misuse of Drugs Act because people under 18 should not be taking such substances, but, equally, responsible adults have a right to make informed choices.

"The political stoush yesterday over a dodgy amendment should not distract from the fact that these new rules will protect responsible party pill retailers and close down those who sell to kids or downplay the risks of taking more than the recommended dose.

"We do have some concerns over the details of the main body of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill (No 3), specifically the lack of constraint on the enforcement powers of health officials and police. As it stands, they won't need a warrant to seize goods and there's no limit on how long they can hold them. We will be seeking to place some controls on these powers when the Bill goes to committee stage in the House."

ENDS

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