Cigarette lighter refills and solvents
(for Scotland)
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Solvent abuse is the inhaling (sniffing) of fumes given off by a wide range of solvent-based products, including cigarette lighter refills and aerosols. The supply of these products to people under the age of 18 is controlled by legislation, and there are common law offences relating to supplying substances knowing they will be abused. The penalty for these offences is a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months' imprisonment.
Marker pens, aerosols, anti-freeze and nail varnish are household products that are classed as solvents and are commonly abused. Obvious signs of an abuser include the smell of solvents, slurred speech and spots/sores around the mouth. There are steps traders can take including refusing such sales to under 18s, asking for proof of age, recording refused sales, and training staff.
In the guide
The legislation
What is an intoxicating substance?
How you can recognise if someone is an abuser?
Enforcement of the law
What you can do
