New laws in Ireland aim to put head shops out of business
A statement from the Alternative Traders Association said that prohibitions against advertising products was a serious threat to the freedom of speech and claimed that the initiative could contradict existing laws on the free movement of goods within the EU as well as human rights laws.
The Bill will also deal with the sale of drug paraphernalia (e.g. bongs) and so- called “grow your own” equipment in head shops. Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern is considering including an offence of selling a pipe or any other object made or adapted for use in connection with the consumption of the controlled drug or psychoactive substance.
Technically, wine glasses, spoons, lighters and ashtrays would also fall under this new law. Garden centres and supermarkets would be selling illegal products as well; should they now be closed down?
