HAMPSHIRE’S police and crime commissioner is calling for legislation to be introduced to regulate and license shops specialising in potentially lethal products such as legal highs.

Simon Hayes wants laws to be introduced against so-called 'head shops', which specialise in tobacco paraphernalia used for consumption of legal highs and party powders.

He said the shop poses “potential risks” to young people while head shops are misleading people by selling legal highs.

It comes after Winchester City Council ordered a Kings Walk shopkeeper to stop selling legal highs or be evicted.

The campaign calls for tougher laws, vendors and sellers to be held to account, and for tighter controls to stop vulnerable youngsters from being able to buy the products over the counter.

Mr Hayes said: “I have real concerns about this place opening and the potential risks it will pose, especially to young people, and because these shops don't need licensing I believe they are dangerous.

“It is my view that the mind altering substances they sell are lethal, not legal, and Parliament should urgently look at doing more to address this and not shy away. There should be no leeway in the law when looking at anything that is mind altering.

He added: “If these mind altering substances are not to be classified as illegal drugs, I am of the view that Government should without delay, introduce legislation that will provide powers to allow police, Trading Standards and local authorities to regulate them.

“We have a moral obligation to protect the public, especially those who are more vulnerable. We should therefore not allow those who trade in these unregulated substances to put profit before the publics’ health and wellbeing.”

It comes following the announcement of a shop which is due to open in Havant this month.