British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA), is calling on its members to take part in a consultation on proposed legislation for a ban on retail sales of nitrous oxide, launched by the UK Government.
BCGA has been leading calls for a change in the law to ban retail sales of the gas, while protecting legitimate uses in industry and healthcare since March 2020.
The Government is proposing to give nitrous oxide a Class C rating under the Misuse of Drugs Act and is seeking to understand the breadth of legitimate uses in healthcare and industry that must be protected under the new legislation.
BCGA President, David Hurren, said: “BCGA welcomes the opening of the consultation and encourages its members to put forward their views on this issue.
“The consultation will be open until late June, and for those who would like to know more, the Home Office will be presenting an update on the consultation and its intent at BCGA’s conference on May 18.
“This consultation is an opportunity for our industry to ensure any change in legislation has a positive impact, so I urge all BCGA members to take part.”
The eight-week consultation closes at 11.59pm on 27 June 2023. BCGA members can take part by going to: Nitrous oxide: legitimate uses and appropriate controls – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Alternatively, download a response form and email to: nitrousoxideconsultation@homeoffice.gov.uk or write to: Drug Misuse Unit, 5th Floor Fry Building, 2 Marsham St, London, SW1P 4DF
The BCGA is the UK membership body for the compressed gases sector. Its members employ 19,000 people directly and account for an annual turnover of £2.7 billion.
Committed to stringent quality, safety and environmental measures, BCGA members operate in a highly-regulated industry, with a focus on best practice in technical, safety, health and environmental issues.
02/2023
