A council motion proposed by Cllr Terri Mahmood and seconded by Mustafa Desai said nitrous oxide misuse had become a ‘real and visible problem' across Blackburn with Darwen. Possession of nitrous oxide for the purpose of inhaling is an offence, with exemptions for legitimate medical, industrial, and catering use. There have been clear links between misuse, anti-social behaviour, littering, and drug-driving. "Despite this, some retailers continue selling nitrous oxide in bulk without checking whether the purchase is legitimate. "And it commits the Council to exploring existing powers — including Public Spaces Protection Orders and Community Protection Notices — where nitrous oxide misuse contributes to anti-social behaviour.