Frequently Asked Questions

Sale of Poisons and Methylated Spirits

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• 1. What do I need to record in a Poisons Register?

  The requirements for the recording of sales of scheduled poisons are set out in the Poisons Regulations 2008. Schedule 5 sets out the entry to be made in a record book to be kept in accordance with the regulations. These records should preferably be kept in a hardback book. The PSI does not provide poisons registers.

  The list of required fields to be entered in a Poisons Register are:
  1. date of sale;
  2. name and quantity of poison sold;
  3. name and address of purchaser;
  4. trade, business or occupation of purchaser;
  5. purchaser’s statement of the purpose for which poison is required;
  6. date of certificate, if any;
  7. name and address of person giving certificate, if any;
  8. signature of purchaser (or, where 7. a signed order is presented, the words “signed order” with the appropriate reference number).
  
  

• 2. What are the requirements controlling the purchase and sale of methylated spirits?

  The sale of methylated spirits is subject to the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1924. Methylated spirits may only be supplied by:
  

  • authorised methylators
  • persons licensed to sell methylated spirits

  A licence from the Customs and Excise is required to authorise the supply of methylated spirits to the public. Any pharmacist wishing to sell methylated spirits must obtain such a licence, which is renewable annually. Information and application forms are available on the Revenue website.

  Stocks of methylated spirits held by a licensed retailer should not exceed 18.5 litres at any one time, nor should any one sale or supply exceed 18.5 litres. Sales between 9pm on Saturday evening and 9am on the following Monday morning are prohibited. The purchaser should be known to the seller or vouched for by a person known to the seller. The purchaser must state the purpose for which the spirits are required. At the time of sale, the retailer must enter certain details into the methylated spirits register.

  Details to be recorded in Methylated Spirits Register:
  

  • the name and address of purchaser;
  • purpose for which the spirits is required, as stated by purchaser;
  • the quantity of spirits sold,
  • the date of sale.

  A signature is not required.

  The methylated spirits register should be kept at the licensed premises, for example, the pharmacy, and be readily available for inspection by members of the Garda Síochána, members of the Customs and Excise, or other authorised inspectors.
  
  The PSI does not provide methylated spirits registers.