Let's sniff again

摘要

This shouldn't be a matter for the sort of mirth that finds its way on to the back page of The MJ, but here goes. Hackney LBC is launching a crackdown on vendors of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. In an attempt to land the accolade for the ultimate 'council killjoys' story, Hackney's trading standards officers are using powers to prevent illegal street trading to clamp down on the sale of the gas - which itself is not illegal or, for that matter, anything new. As early as 1799, English high society began holding 'laughing gas parties' as the rich and well to do sought fun and giggles from falling into a state of dreamy stupor.