The Law

 

The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) outlines the laws on controlled or illegal drugs. There are three classes of drugs, which mean there are three different penalties depending on whether the drug is a class A, B or C substance. The penalties also vary depending on whether someone possess the drug or intend to supply it.

 

Class A

Class B

Class C

Drugs

Heroin, methadone, cocaine, opium, crack, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms and all Class B drugs if prepared for injection.

Amphetamines, Barbiturates, codeine

Cannabis, Ketamine, Tranquilisers (including benzodiazepines and royhpnol), DF118 (painkillers), GHB and most anabolic steroids.

Maximum penalty for possession

7 years in prison and/or a fine

5 years in prison and/or a fine

2 years in prison and/or a fine

Maximum penalty for supply

Life imprisonment and/or a fine

14 years in prison and/or a fine

14 years in prison and/or a fine

Class B drugs that are injected immediately become class A.

It is not illegal to possess substances like poppers or solvents but someone could be prosecuted for supplying them, this includes giving them to a friend. Some bye-laws allow police to take solvent misusers to a place of safety.

If the police catch someone with large amounts of any drug they may assume that they planned to sell the drug. This is called "possession with the intent to supply" and the charges could be anything up to the maximum sentence for the supply of that drug. Supplying small amounts of drugs to friends can also be classified as supply.

Alcohol, the Law and Young People

Age

Key points

Under 5

May not be given alcohol except on medical orders.

5 and over

May consume alcohol in private premises or in the restaurant area.

Under 14

May not be present in the bar of licensed premises unless accompanied by an adult and a children's certificate for the bar is in force.

14 and over

May be in the bar of licensed premises during permitted hours at the licensee's discretion.

Under 16

May be present in a restaurant etc where alcohol is served with a meal and at the licensee's discretion may consume (but not purchase) alcohol bought by a parent or guardian.

16 and over

May purchase beer, porter, cider, wine or perry with a meal in an eating area on licensed premises.

Under 18

  • May not purchase or be supplied with or consume alcohol in a bar.
  • Police have powers to confiscate alcohol from under-18s drinking in public and to contact their parents. Licensees and staff of licensed premises have a positive duty to not to sell alcohol unless they are reasonably certain that the purchaser is not under the age of eighteen.
  • The legal obstruction to test purchasing under the supervision of police or inspectors of weights and measures is removed.

16-18

May not be employed in a bar of a licensed premises, unless as part of a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme.