Forum Topic

Khat Banned in UK from tomorrow - Crown Street Shops

Khat will be a class C drug from tomorrow so wondering what'll happen to the Somali shops on Crown Street, for which I believe it's a major source of income?http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27921832

Rupert Picken ● 4467d11 Comments

I was cycling past them this afternoon and thought the same thing...though you don't (or I don't) see any being consumed outside.

Sara Nathan ● 4467d

Hopefully the shops will close down  or change their business model. Read about the paranoia it causes , the mental health issues and the domestic violence caused by it you can understand the ban . Forget about any romantic ideas about culture Police are adopting a softy softly approach as there is an understanding of sensitivities but 3 strikes and you are out

Peter Truesdale ● 4467d

I'm aware of the downside and that many of the Somali community also want it banned.But banning's not seen as a great way forward for other drugs - remember the Professor Nutt row? The Home Office's own Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs is generally sceptical about banning "new" drugs because of criminalising the users and lack of effectiveness. Mark you, the politicians don't necessarily take any notice.It will take a rather softly softly approach to police effectively - and I bet it will be a real pain to do!

Sara Nathan ● 4467d

I'm sure it was being taken outside but I personally don't have any issue with Khat consumption. I lived on Langley Drive next to Crown Street up until the end of last year and had no hassles from any of the guys in the street, in that regard I'd be more wary of having to walk past groups of drunks.I hope the shops don't go out of business and end up being boarded up.

Rupert Picken ● 4467d

Don't know much about khat - never tried it - does it taste pleasant? Is it that bad for one's brain and body? Is a lot of it consumed in Acton?

Gerry Tan ● 4466d

I also understand that smoking Hoooka pipes are far more deadly that smoking cigarettes.Perhaps they should be banned as well?

Dee Cook ● 4466d

Do the Brits know something that many other countries do not?Those countries have made khat illegal. As usual we as laggards have done nothing.At last we got round to it. And oh dear, there's hue and cry.Khat causes violence depression and family breakup. Not good. So ban it.

George Knox ● 4466d

If we were banning merely on the basis of what does the most harm, causes the most distress, illness, appalling behaviour, premature death and police involvement, then tobacco and alcohol would have gone years ago.But we don't because people like them, they are huge businesses and employers, generate vast sums and huge amounts of tax. Whereas Khat does none of the above so is vulnerable to "something must be done" sentiments - to which fags and vodka are immune it seems.

Sara Nathan ● 4466d

Well, my local Khat Café remains resolutely closed this morning.Excellent! No more groups of zombie like men hanging around or spending their day expectorating in the street.Hopefully, a few more of their wives will sleep soundly tonight.

Nigel Brooks ● 4466d

I don't suppose the Government received as much tax on khat as they do on alcohol and tobacco.

Philippa Bond ● 4466d

If legally imported then it's 12.8% duty and VAT.Trouble is, like illegal cigarettes and alcohol, much comes in 'under the radar' so nothing is paid.

Nigel Brooks ● 4466d