PLANS for a nationwide blanket ban on all legal highs were announced in today's Queen’s Speech - just five days before Taunton becomes one of the first places in England to outlaw the 'intoxicating substances' with a Public Space Protection Order.

The Home Office has published the plans for a ban on all legal highs, under the ‘Psychoactive Substances Bill’, which will ‘ban the new generation of psychoactive drugs.’

The purpose of the bill, according to the Home Office, is to ‘protect hard-working citizens from the risks posted by untested, unknown and potential harmful drugs’ - and ‘create a blanket ban which would prohibit and disrupt the production, distribution, sale and supply of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the UK.’

The Bill would make it an offence ‘to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess with intent to supply, import or export psychoactive substances; that is, any substance intended for human consumption that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect.’ Substances, such as alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, would be excluded, as would controlled drugs, which would continue to be regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

A Public Space Protection Order has been implemented in Taunton from June 1, replacing existing 'no drinking orders' and covering a larger area, taking in the town centre, areas around Priorswood Road, through to Toneway and Blackbrook Way.

The county town decided to follow the lead of Lincoln City Council, which introduced the scheme earlier this year, after members of the public overwhelming backed the idea in a survey carried out by Taunton Deane Council.

The restrictions on alcohol will not apply to pavement cafes or licensed premises.

Last week, council leader Cllr John Williams welcomed the Protection Order, adding: “Our streets, parks and open spaces should be much cleaner and safer as a result of this order and it allows a clear message to be given that unacceptable, anti-social behaviour in Taunton will not be tolerated.