Pubdate: Wed, 14 May 2008 Source: Dominion Post, The (New Zealand) Copyright: 2008 The Dominion Post Contact: http://www.dompost.co.nz Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2550 Author: Anna Chalmers 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake