AGE LIMIT LIKELY FOR PARTY PILLS

Party pill retailers are likely to face tough new rules governing sale
of the pills, including age restrictions, strict labelling
requirements and requiring a licence to sell them.

The Health Ministry has recommended the Government adopt 10
regulations governing the sale of restricted substances. Party pills
are likely to be included in this category after a review by an expert
committee.

The ministry's move comes in the wake of a ban on BZP, which failed to
stop the manufacture of party pills.

Since the ban was introduced last month, retailers and manufacturers,
who have made millions through the sale of BZP pills, have introduced
new versions that can legally be sold anywhere, including in dairies,
without age restrictions.

Most new generation party pills have been on shop shelves only a few
weeks and are not classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which
means there are no rules governing their sale.

Manufacturers claim the new pills are herbal, but a number of users
have reported side effects, including vomiting, anxiety and insomnia.

The ministry confirmed yesterday that it had provided Associate Health
Minister Jim Anderton with 10 new regulations under the Misuse of
Drugs Amendment Act.

The new rules would tighten the sale of restricted substances,
referred to as "class D" drugs.

The recommendations are understood to include a minimum 18-year-old
purchase age, strict labelling rules listing ingredients and requiring
a licence - similar to bottle shop owners - to sell the substances.

A restricted substance is a legal but regulated drug. BZP was in this
category till April's ban. It is now a class C drug - the same as cannabis.

No other drugs are currently listed as restricted substances.

A spokeswoman for Mr Anderton said last night that the minister had
only just received the Health Ministry recommendations, but he
supported them in principal.

He would need to take the recommendations to Cabinet for approval, she
said.

Mr Anderton was also keen to close a loophole in existing laws to
place the onus on manufacturers to prove the pills were safe -
currently the Government has to prove they are dangerous.

The Drug Foundation has welcomed the new restrictions, but says party
pills should also be taxed. Income from tax could be used to fund the
enforcement of the new regulations and also enable the Government to
influence the price, director Ross Bell said.

Unlike alcohol and cigarettes, party pills only have basic taxes such
as gst added.

The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs is expected to review the
status of the new generation party pills once analysis by
Environmental Science and Research into the substances is completed.