EURO RULE COULD PUT US OUT OF BUSINESS, SAY HEALTH SHOP STAFF (From Warrington Guardian)

EURO RULE COULD PUT US OUT OF BUSINESS, SAY HEALTH SHOP STAFF

STAFF at two Northwich health shops face an uncertain future following a European ruling, which could mean putting herbal remedies on prescription.

Aromatherapy essential oils, high dose vitamins and minerals and blends of nutrients and herbs are also affected.

An announcement is expected from the Government soon on whether it intends to follow the directive.

Meanwhile workers at Holland and Barrett, in Witton Street, are urging people to join the protest by signing a petition.

Manageress Paula Brooker said that if the ruling is followed, the shop, which has a range of herbal remedies, would close with the loss of four jobs.

"We just couldn't operate. We have got real fears about the future. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with this," she said.

At Full of Beans, in Witton Street, owner Tony Lawrenson called on the public to write to their MPs.

"This is about freedom of choice. This will hit the whole health industry, thousands of jobs are going to be affected," he said.

"The cost of the products will increase.

"Many will vanish from the shelves. We know herbs are doing great good for many people, to licence them would discourage many people, whose health is improving.

"They don't ban alcohol and cigarettes which are bad for you - yet they want to licence something which is good for you."

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