Chesterfield shop ceases selling legal highs in agreement

A shop in Chesterfield has stopped trading in legal highs and will relinquish its current name following collaboration between the shop owner and Derbyshire authorities.

The shop, which was called Reefer, will reopen bearing a new name and will no longer sell legal highs. The closure and cessation of trading is part of an agreement that would make it illegal for the owners to sell legal highs in the future.

The agreement has been reached after what has been termed “a great deal of work” by Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Constabulary and Toby Perkins, Chesterfield MP, who claim that the agreement represents a significant step in tackling antisocial behaviour in the area.

A letter sent by Inspector John Turner of Chesterfield police station to the Mr Perkins said: “Reefer is no longer selling legal highs with immediate effect. This is by agreement of the tenant and landlord … A new tenant will be taking over the business, which, in the main, will remain similar with the following changes: a change of name above the door; it will be written into the lease that the sale of legal highs is excluded; clear signage will indicate that the substances are not available.”

Inspector Turner goes on to say that much of the antisocial behaviour recorded in the town centre was believed to be due to the influence of legal highs.