June 20, 2010 12:11

Government asks music festivals to warn fans about 'legal highs'

Minister for Crime Prevention also suggests possibility of a temporary ban

Photo: Guy Eppel

The government has asked music festivals to warn festival-goers about the dangers of taking 'legal highs' at events this year.

Minister For Crime Prevention James Brokenshire has advised the event organisers to keep people informed of the risks involved with the substances, often sold as 'herbal highs'.

Brokenshire said: "During the festival season we know that people may be tempted to try potentially dangerous new drugs, particularly when they are advertised as 'legal' or 'herbal'.

"That is why we are asking festival organisers and police to work with us to send out the message that these substances may not be safe and could contain illegal drugs."

The government are also considering a temporary ban on new legal highs until proper investigation into their effects has been conducted, according to BBC News.

"We are going to change our drug laws so we can respond quickly to emerging substances by introducing a temporary ban while we seek full scientific advice," said Brokenshire.

In April 2010, legal high mephedrone was classified as an illegal Class B drug in the UK.