An Aberdeen shop selling legal highs has been forced to shut down after it was issued with a closure order.
The closure of Harminasion will make legal history, with the order being the first ever on a shop selling legal highs in Scotland.
The closure order for the shop was granted at Aberdeen Sheriff Court this morning following joint action between police and Aberdeen City Council, due to anti-social behaviour arising from the sale of legal highs on the premises.
The shop, on the city’s George Street, will be shut down tomorrow (Thursday) under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.
A police spokesman explained: “Police Scotland has acted on concerns about persistent anti-social behaviour from customers of the shop following complaints from local residents, businesses, elected representatives and partner agencies.
“Following the complaints, Police Scotland compiled a Closure Order application request for the council and court’s consideration based on anti-social behaviour.”
The closure of the shop will last an initial three months.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson, Police Commander for Aberdeen City, added: “We have had a significant number of complaints raised by the public and businesses in the area and despite trying to work this through with the shop concerned, we, as a partnership, have taken this action in bringing the closure order to give the community some well-deserved respite and to keep people safe.
“I stress the case has been built firmly around the associated anti-social behaviour that has been caused by the way the business operates.
“That said, we of course have obvious concerns around the effects of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), or so-called legal highs being sold, which are mirrored by a wide range of partners including Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian and we will continue to work collaboratively in looking at every opportunity to lessen the harm caused in the City and across the wider north-east.”
Aberdeen City Administration Councillor Ross Thomson welcomed the closure: “There have been a number of complaints from local residents and businesses about persistent and serious antisocial behaviour arising from customers of the shop Harminasion on George Street which openly sells legal highs.
“I welcome today’s concerted and joint action by Police Scotland and Aberdeen City Council to close the shop for three months in order to conduct a full investigation.”
“Legal highs are a growing menace and they are lethal. Today highlights the proactive measures the council and Police Scotland are taking to combat the scourge of legal highs within the current powers available and I look forward to seeing these powers being strengthened.
“Today’s actions are good news and I am sure will provide some comfort and reassurance to residents, parents and the community.”