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Byram board discusses draft ordinance to restrict sales of nitrous oxide to minors
Summary
City staff proposed adapting an Oxford ordinance to limit retail nitrous oxide sales, including an age minimum (discussed as 21), restrictions on gas-station sales and quantity limits; the board asked staff for an adoptable draft and more enforcement details before any vote.
City staff presented a draft ordinance modeled on Oxford's rule that would limit retail access to nitrous oxide and restrict where the product may be sold.
Zach, a city staff member, told the board the Oxford ordinance "still allows it to be sold for commercial purposes" but prevents sales in gas stations and sets an age restriction; he said he can convert the city's copy "to an adoptable form for Byram" if the board wants to move forward. The chief and other officials described health and respiratory risks associated with inhaling nitrous oxide and said the product can be used legitimately in culinary and medical contexts. As one participant put it, nitrous oxide is "highly known as laughing gas" used in medicine, racing and the food industry.
Board members pressed staff on enforcement, where the product currently is sold locally, and whether the city should move beyond Oxford's approach to ban sales in all stores. Several members said they want more information about current retail availability and the overdose risk before crafting final ordinance language. The board agreed to have staff circulate the Oxford draft electronically, accept comments and return an adoptable ordinance at the next work session or the next regular meeting.
No formal vote was taken; the matter remains at the discussion stage and staff was asked to provide an adoptable draft and research on enforcement and where canisters are being sold.
