Retailers

On this page:  Assistance for retailers | Legislation | Storage

Retailers can play an important role in helping to reduce the incidence of inhalant abuse.  Many States and Territories now have legislation that restricts the supply of inhalant products that are commonly abused.

Assistance for retailers

CAYLUS - Northern Territory. Retailers responsible sale of solvents resource and voluntary code of conduct for sale of solvents in the Northern Territory. [pdf- 453 kb]

Queensland Government, Information for retailers. [website]

Western Australia. Drug and Alcohol Office, Volatile substance use kit for retailers. [website]

A Guide for Retailers to Prevent the Misuse of Volatile Substances” developed by the Drug and Alcohol Office in collaboration with the Retail Traders’ Association of WA, the Hardware Association of WA and WA Police. It includes Code of Conduct – Supply of Volatile Substances. In February 2007, the retailer’s kit was disseminated to over 3000 retailers across the state. Retailers receive a 6 monthly update/reminder of the strategy to encourage compliance with the Code of Conduct.

Victorian Government Health Information, Responsible sale of solvents. [website]

 
LEGISLATION

It is an offence in Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory to knowingly supply an inhalant to a person for the purpose of intentional inhalation.

Queensland
-Section 23 of the Summary Offences Act 2005.

Western Australia
-Section 206 of the Criminal Code Act 1913.

Victoria
-Section 57 & 58 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.

South Australia
-Section 19 of the Controlled Substances Act 1984.

New South Wales
-Section 10D of the Summary Offences Act 1988.
        (refers just to storage of spray paint)

Northern Territory
-Section 52 of the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act 2005.
-Section 49 regarding management areas

Storage
Retailers, especially those in high risk areas, who sell products targeted by inhalant users, can take preventative measures aimed at counteracting theft and minimising access.  These measures include storing products close to or behind the front counter, in secure cages or shelving or alternatively removing them from visual sight completely.

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{ page updated: 5 Dec 2011}