In Parvomay, a gas station owner found himself in for an unpleasant surprise - a fine of 3,000 leva, imposed for the illegal sale of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to minors. The city's district court confirmed the sanction issued by the Regional Health Inspectorate - Plovdiv, after it was found that the dangerous substance was being traded on the site's territory.
The incident took place on January 19 last year, when a group of young people gathered in the parking lot of a large grocery store, in close proximity to the gas station. One of them bought three bottles with a picture of a strawberry, each equipped with a filler and a balloon - a classic set for using laughing gas. After they began to inhale the contents, eyewitnesses reported the incident to the police.
A patrol arrived at the scene and found that the bottles had been purchased from the gas station. During questioning, the manager admitted that the store sold laughing gas, but claimed that sales were only to adults. However, an inspection by health inspectors revealed that the substance was being sold systematically, contrary to legal regulations.
According to the latest changes to the Health Act, which came into force in 2023, nitrous oxide can only be sold for medical purposes or as an additive in the food industry. The violation cost the owner a hefty fine, which he is trying to challenge in court. During the trial, one of the employees claimed that the bottles contained cream, not laughing gas, but the court did not accept this version, citing the evidence collected for the systematic sale of the prohibited substance.
The decision of the Parvomay District Court is not final and can be appealed to the Administrative Court in Plovdiv. The case once again raises the issue of control over the sale of laughing gas and the need for stricter measures to protect the health of young people.