'Nang' ban begins today with new on-the-spot fines introduced

• Cook Government's restrictions on sale of 'nangs' in effect from today
• Purchase of 'nangs' limited to registered food and beverage businesses
• Penalties and on-the-spot fines for retailers caught breaking the law
• New campaign launched to educate public on updated regulations

The Cook Government is introducing the toughest laws in the country to protect young people from the misuse of nitrous oxide gas.

Starting today, nitrous oxide gas can only be sold to registered food and beverage businesses, making it harder to access for non-legitimate purposes.

Under the new Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016, small ten-gram nitrous oxide cannisters will only be accessible to:

• registered food businesses;
• select businesses with a liquor licence; and
• schools, including cooking schools and universities.

Sellers are required to collect evidence that nitrous oxide cannisters are being sold to registered food or beverage businesses.

These new laws will be enforced by the Department of Health, and anyone caught unlawfully selling nitrous oxide may be charged and face monetary penalties up to $30,000.

On-the-spot fines have also been introduced, giving WA Health the power to issue fines of up to $6,000 to any retailer caught breaking the new laws.

An advertising campaign is being launched to educate the public on updated regulations.

Recreational use and abuse of nitrous oxide poses significant health risks including permanent nerve damage.

People seeking help to address nitrous oxide abuse can contact the Alcohol and Drug Support Line. This is available 24 hours a day seven days a week via 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 for country callers.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"Nang misuse is dangerous, and the Cook Government is committed to reducing the toll it is taking on members of our community.

"Retailers face penalties of up to $30,000 and new on-the-spot fines have been introduced to ensure anyone caught flouting these laws faces the appropriate consequences.

"We want to protect children and young people from the dangers of nangs, which can cause permanent brain and spinal cord damage."