Government Asks Festivals To Send 'Legal High' Warning

The government has asked organisers of music festivals to send a warning to festival-goers about the potential dangers of “legal highs”.

In a letter, James Brokenshire, the Minister for Crime Prevention, also said drug laws could be changed to allow temporary bans to be introduced on “emerging substances”.

It follows a recent change in the law regarding mephedrone – a “legal high” that has now been classified as a Class B drug.

"During the festival season we know that people may be tempted to try potentially dangerous new drugs, particularly when they are advertised as 'legal' or 'herbal',” Mr Brokenshire said.

"That is why we are asking festival organisers and police to work with us to send out the message that these substances may not be safe and could contain illegal drugs.

"We are going to change our drug laws so we can respond quickly to emerging substances by introducing a temporary ban while we seek full scientific advice."

Melvin Benn, who organisers the Reading and Leeds festivals, has welcomed the proposals, reports the BBC.