Solvents

Most consumer laws control the quality and safety of goods and services supplied to the public but some also restrict the sale of goods to certain people. Intoxicating substances known as solvents are one such group of products where the law restricts their supply because they have the potential to be misused - in this case they can be used for “glue sniffing”.

Traders must not sell intoxicating substances to anyone under the age of 18 years if they believe or suspect that they will use them for solvent or glue sniffing.

What are intoxicating substances?

• anything that contains a volatile hydrocarbon ie. gives off petroleum type vapour.
• the main products that may be inhaled are certain kinds of glue, butane gases (especially cigarette lighter refills) and many types of aerosol sprays, typewriter correction fluid, dry cleaning fluid, some shoe and metal polishes plus many more.

Our Young Consumer Website gives more information on Age Restricted Sales and www.re-solv.org gives advice and information on solvent abuse.

If you have problems proving that you are the correct age to buy age restricted goods an 18+ Proof of Age Card is available.