A MAJOR York discount store apologised today after a Press investigation revealed how it breached restrictions on the sale of paracetamol, aimed at curbing deaths from overdoses.

Under guidelines dating back to 1998, stores are urged not to sell more than two packets of 16 paracetamols, and the sale of more than 100 tablets without a doctor’s prescription is illegal.

But signs at Poundland’s store in Low Petergate actively encourage customers to buy three packets of 16 caplets for an “amazing value” £1.

And although the sign states that customers are restricted to a maximum of three packets, The Press was able to buy nine, containing a total of 148 caplets, without challenge from staff or any automatic “till bar” to block the sale.

Today, Mike Beckett, director of York & District Mind, a mental health charity, spoke of his shock at the sale of so many paracetamols to one customer in one transaction.

“I find this shocking and deeply concerning,” he said. “We are very concerned about the availability of paracetamols.

“Research has shown that overdose is very much an impulse thing. Therefore, putting some bar in place and making it harder for someone to obtain paracetamols could give them opportunity to have a change of mind or access help. It can increase the chances of lives being saved.

“I think every retailer should check and reinforce their policies and procedures on the sale of paracetamol.”

Poundland said today that “appropriate action” was being taken in the light of The Press inquiries, including staff re-training.

A spokeswoman said all Poundland store staff were trained to sell no more than three packets of 16 tablets of Paracetamol per customer.

“Following investigations into this matter, it would seem that on this occasion the correct procedure was not followed and appropriate action is now being taken, which will include re-training of the individual concerned,” she said.

“Poundland takes this matter very seriously and apologises for what is clearly a breach of company operating procedures.”

Asked whether the store’s own policy of encouraging customers to buy three packets for £1 did not fly in the face of national guidelines, she claimed: “Poundland makes Paracetamol available to all of its customers, but do not actively promote the offer. Poundland’s policy is to offer amazing value to people.

“There are a number of people on a low income who have to actively take tablets, but do not qualify for a prescription and therefore being able to buy multibuy helps them keep their cost down.”

When The Press sought to buy three packets from two other city centre stores, Boots and Superdrug, staff refused to sell more than two packets, citing the guidelines.

After being informed of the sale of paracetamols by Poundland, Matt Boxall, trading standards manager at City of York Council, said: “We intend to discuss the issues highlighted by the Press with the company.”


Overdose fears

CURBS on the sale of paracetamols were introduced in 1998 because of concerns about the number of deaths connected with overdosing, said the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

The Medicines And Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said there was no legal restriction on the number of packs that can be purchased in a single transaction, provided the total amount did not exceed 100 tablets.

“The MRHA, however, strongly discourages multiple sales and multi-buy promotions for these analgesics.”

A spokeswoman said it had agreed voluntary restrictions with organisations, including the British Retail Consortium, to restrict multiple sales to reduce the potential for abuse or excessive use of medicines.

“This is an area of voluntary action but price-related promotions involving analgesics are closely monitored by the MHRA, and many retail outlets have signed up to a voluntary code of practice to limit such sales to two packets per transaction.”