Claims Bristol businesses will be hit by khat ban

The chewing drug khat, which is popular with Somali men in Bristol

A ban on the herbal drug khat, which is mainly used by Bristol's Somali community, has come into force today. It's led to warnings from shops that sell the drug that it will hit their trade badly.

Khat, which makes its users feel more alert, happy and talkative when chewed, is now banned as a class C drug, despite advice from the Government's official advisers.

Anyone found in possession faces up to two years in prison. Producers and suppliers face a maximum sentence of 14 years.

A carton of khat, which is already banned in most of the EU and Canada and America Credit: PA

Drug experts and policy campaigners have condemned the ban, saying it will simply push khat sales on to the black market while criminalising certain minority groups.

However it is associated with long-term problems.

  • Linked to mental illness and depression

  • Risk of heart problems

  • Danger of liver disease

  • Possibility of mouth cancer

  • Insomnia

Avon & Somerset Police say they will be policing the drug, like any other controlled substance:

Khat is associated with a number of problems when used long-term Credit: ITV News West Country

Women in Bristol's 10,000 strong Somali community have mostly supported the ban. They say it can lead to domestic abuse and family breakdown as men spend a lot of time away from their families chewing khat with friends.

The Safer Bristol-funded Recovery Orientated Alcohol and Drugs Service (ROADS) is offering a range of treatments to help addicts. It also is working to help users improve their English and find employment.

Bristol City Council is also working with the community helping traders find alternative business opportunities.