Legal highs ban delayed as Portsmouth head shops warned

BANS on legal highs have been delayed by at least a month, it was revealed in letters written by the county's police force.

Hampshire police wrote to head shop owners warning of the law but added the Psychoactive Substances Act will not come into force on April 6.

‘The Home Office announced that the commencement date for the legislation would no longer be April 6 and a new date for commencement has yet to be confirmed,’ the letter said.

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Home Office minister Karen Bradley told the House of Commons: ‘We expect to commence the Psychoactive Substances Act in its entirety in the spring. We need to ensure the readiness of all the activity necessary to enable the smooth implementation of the legislation across the UK and to support law enforcement in their ability to drive forward the legislation on commencement.’

It comes as Simon Hayes, Hampshire police and crime commissioner, said he has concerns about enforcing the ban on legal highs.

The four head shops in Portsmouth have been warned the city council will be watching them. Cllr Robert New said: ‘They will commit a serious criminal offence if they supply these substances.’