The sale of food essence to teenagers could be banned, with evidence of a jump in their use as a cheap alcoholic mixer since the alcopops tax kicked in.
Mixing lemon and vanilla essence with soft drink might not sound that appealing, but according to police of late, it’s become a mixer of choice.
Food essence is sold in supermarkets and anyone can buy it.
For under a dollar you can get a small bottle that contains about 70% alcohol.
Police have confirmed to LIVENEWS.com.au it’s becoming a real problem with young drinkers – particularly in recent times.
Now Albert Gardner, the NSW Director of Liquor Enforcement, says they’re looking at a ban.
"It may well be that we place controls over the products, similar to the sale of cigarettes,” he told 2GB’s Ray Hadley.
“We’re getting legal advice [on how easy controls would be to implement].”
Police officers have told Ray Hadley today, the problem is just a few weeks old – and they say perhaps linked to the extra tax on alcopops.