Police close legal high shop in Exeter
The Devon and Cornwall police force has closed down a shop in Exeter that sells legal highs following complaints about anti-social behaviour.
Wicked! Head Shop, which is located in South Street, Exeter, has been closed for 48 hours by the police after claims were made about the store’s customers over a sustained period of time. This is thought to be the first instance of anti-social behaviour laws being applied to a shop selling legal high drugs. The closure notice was made possible due to new legislation that came into effect on 20th October 2014 under Section 76 of The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014.
Whilst full details have not been disclosed, it is understood that the notice was served following complaints received by the police from local people. It was alleged that the shop was the focus of anti-social behaviour and that customers at the shop were causing a nuisance and creating disorder, not just on a few occasions but over a prolonged period of time.
The police made an application for the shop to be closed for six months. This proceeding was adjourned at Exeter Magistrates’ Court; however, the police were granted an extension to the shop’s temporary closure and a formal application for closure is scheduled to be made today, 6th November.