In its first statement, Alternative Traders Ireland said it is seeking to liaise with Government, the media and other concerned bodies in relation to the controversy surrounding the head shop industry.
Head shops have been the subject of much debate in recent months as they sell legal synthetic drugs which mimic the effects of real drugs.
The number of these shops has mushroomed and the illegal drugs industry has been suffering due to their proliferation.
The shops have been targeted, in some cases in the form of protests by parents and residents and in others by dissident republicans or disgruntled drug dealers.
In order to try and protect their businesses, a large number of alternative traders have held meetings to discuss the controversies surrounding the industry.
The association members have agreed a voluntary code of conduct, which aims to address a number of long-standing concerns raised in the media and also of concern to the association members. These include a strict proof of age policy, a ban on any customers wearing school uniforms, regardless of proof of age, and a refusal to sell products to any person who appears to be intoxicated.
Anyone interested in joining the association was advised to email alternativetradersireland@yahoo.ie.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael councillor and primary school principal Mary Mitchell O’Connor called on Health Minister Mary Harney to immediately close the loophole on legal highs.
Her call came following the announcement in Britain on Monday that mephedrone, a drug similar to crystal methamphetamine in structure, will be banned.
"British MPs banned mephedrone while we in Ireland are still making feeble excuses and blaming the EU for being unable to bring in immediate legislation.
"It is incredible that young people can walk into a head shop and buy these legal substances yet if they cross the street to a shop they are restricted in buying over the counter approved medication," she said.
Ms Mitchell O’Connor said she was personally aware of youngsters not attending school because they are suffering from "mind-altering effects of these so-called legal highs", including depression, lethargy, psychosis and suicidal tendencies.
"These young people are suffering from changed personalities and parents are having to deal with the fallout," she added.
Source: Jennifer Hough, The Irish Examiner, 31/03/2010
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