Council takes steps to highlight the dangers of solvent abuse

Since 1971 there have been 76 sniffing related deaths, with evidence showing that butane gas lighter refills have been the biggest killer.

In 1998 legislation was introduced which makes it an offence to sell cigarette lighter canisters containing butane to anyone under 18.

To address this issue, Coleraine Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department has been raising awareness of the potentially fatal consequences amongst young people in the borough.

Their campaign involved an educational programme which was delivered in partnership with the PSNI.

A test purchase exercise was also carried out, to find out the level of compliance amongst retailers.

At last Tuesday night’s Leisure and Environment meeting, councillors were updated on the campaign and the results of the test exercise.

Of the 18 premises selected, none sold the lighter canisters to the test purchaser, who was aged 15.

To continue to address the issue, Council’s Environmental Health department will regularly reinforce the legislative requirements by carrying out further test purchases.