Worksop: Legal high shop Bing Bong will be shut down, says John Mann MP

Speaking in a debate on psychoactive substances in Parliament last night (Monday, October 19) Mr Mann said: “It is the traditional working-class mining communities in my area who are the most adamant that shops such as Bing Bong in Worksop, not far from my office, should be shut down.

“Last weekend, I spoke to people who came off heroin nine or ten years ago. Their view is that we need to act. Their view is that Bing Bong and its products need to be removed. They know that because they know what is happening and the people it is happening to.

Responding to John Mann’s comments the Under-Secretary of State for Justice replied: “The Member for Bassetlaw has a proud record of standing up consistently and in a no-nonsense manner on this serious issue. [Regarding Bing Bong] I can tell him that the Bill sounds its death knell.”

Bing Bong came under fire shortly after it opened in April 2014 when residents became aware of a sign outside the shop clearly advertising ‘poppers, powders, pills’.

More than 400 packs of psychoactive substances were later seized by Trading Standards from the shop, but tests on the packs were found to be ‘inconclusive.’

Speaking at the time the manager, who did not wish to be named, said: “We are a legitimate business and wish only to comply with the law and the police.

“The products clearly state that they are not for human consumption, and we do not sell them for any other purposes than herbal incense and research chemicals.

“What any individual chooses to do with these are not within my control- however, we do operate a strict under 18s policy.

“The substances that were taken by Trading Standards are merely being tested as part of a routine procedure.”