Drugs and the Law

Young people and the legal drinking age

• A young person between the ages of 14 and 18 is allowed to drink alcohol at home.

• A young person under 18 can only be in a bar or club selling alcohol if accompanied by an adult, AND the bar or club has a Children's Certificate displayed, showing that they have been given permission to have children present until 9pm. • A 16 year old can work, or receive training, in a bar or club (holding a Children’s Certificate) if they have a written contract of employment.

Under age drinking and behaviour

• It is against the law for someone under 18 to pretend to be 18 and drink alcohol. • It is an offence to sell alcohol to someone under 18. Punishment - a fine, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.

• Police can confiscate alcohol from people under 18 and take their name and address. They can arrest someone who will not cooperate.

• It is illegal to behave in a disruptive way (‘disorderly behaviour’) anywhere. • It is illegal to sell alcohol to someone who is obviously drunk or showing disorderly behaviour.

Alcohol and driving

• Police can arrest anyone that they suspect may have their ability to drive impaired through drink or drugs, by using observations or roadside breath tests.

This also applies to cyclists.

• Punishment for driving under the influence can involve your driving licence being removed for a period of time. • Road accidents are one of the biggest causes of death and injury.

Classes of drugs

CLASS A These drugs are considered the most harmful

Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, amphetamines (if prepared for injection).

CLASS B A class B drug in injectable form is treated as a class A drug.

Amphetamines, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Pholcodine.

CLASS C These are considered less harmful

Cannabis, tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine.

Maximum penalties for drugs Class Possession A B C Dealing

Up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. Up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine or both. Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. Up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.

Cannabis

• Cannabis is illegal for any individual to have, give away or sell. • The police can arrest anyone found in possession of cannabis.

• You may be given an ‘informed warning’ or go to court.

• Possession of cannabis can result in two years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

• Supplying or selling cannabis can result in 14 years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

Summary of drug-related offences

Solvents Benzodiazepines, Tranquillisers Supplying

Illegal under 18 Illegal

Buying or possessing

No offence No offence

Magic Mushrooms

No offence Unless prepared (eg cooked) Illegal No offence unless prepared Illegal

Heroin, cocaine, crack, LSD, amphetamines, ecstasy Cannabis

Illegal Illegal

Being intoxicated

Those who are responsible for premises who know but take no action to prevent

USE SUPPLY

No offence Considered a breach of the peace in a public place. Illegal to drive No offence. Illegal to drive No offence No offence No offence Illegal to drive No offence Illegal No offence unless prepared Knowing a person is in possession or dealing and not telling No offence No offence if in possession. Illegal if dealing No offence unless prepared No offence Illegal to drive No offence Illegal to drive No offence Illegal Illegal Illegal Illegal Illegal