A RETAILER is at risk of losing his licence after trading standards found 375 canisters of laughing gas in a back room.

During a raid on Best One in Bury Road, Breightmet, on December 10 last year, consumer protection officers from Bolton Council found 15 boxes of nitrous oxide capsules

Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas or hippy crack, is usually consumed through balloons and has long been used by thrill-seeking youngsters at festivals, nightclubs and gigs,

It has been likened to snorting cocaine as it gives users an intense feeling of euphoria and The Bolton News has reported on numerous canister finds across the borough.

Town hall officials say the gas was found in two separate areas of the Bury Road store - behind the shop counter and in a rear storage area - alongside a large quantity of balloons.

The licence for the premises was issued to N&K Retail Ltd, trading as Best One.

The premises, where illicit tobacco products were also found, has since been slapped with an application to review its licence, following the finds.

An application says the store has been "failing to comply with the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder by reason of the premises being a shop that sells illegal tobacco and psychoactive substances.

The owner of the store, who refused to be named, said: “I wasn’t there when it happened and it is under investigation, so I can’t comment. I am just waiting for legal advice and can’t really say anything.”

Breightmet councillor Adele Warren said she was worried about canister abuse and the affects on public health.

She said: “We have seen quite an increase in them over the last couple of years. They are incredibly dangerous for people’s health and the fact that you see them everywhere highlights the amount they are used.

“We want to encourage local businesses to look after the community that they are servicing. If you are doing that and looking after people, it’s inevitably better for the community.

“I would like to see stronger restrictions on them - they are supposed to be for catering use but it’s obvious they aren’t being used by many for that purpose. The public health risk is quite high.”