Police back sale of cannabis in pubs

Police, courts and drug care workers are backing calls for cannabis to be sold in pubs.

A survey of police forces, courts, probation officers and drug care workers, carried out by Government-backed charity DrugScope, showed that 81 per cent of those asked strongly believed that a system of licensed distribution should be introduced as soon as possible. The survey is due to be presented to the Government and is said to be a powerful indication of the changing attitudes towards cannabis use. Ministers have already downgraded penalties for those caught in possession of a small quantity of the drug and many see it as the first step to legalisation.

But trade leaders are against the move. Tony Payne of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations said he was still pushing for a meeting with the Government on the issue.

He added: "I would definitely be against such a move. Alcohol and drugs do not mix."

This mirrors similar criticism from other trade leaders. The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers held a debate at the Pub & Bar show in September and at the end of the debate a show of hands saw most members vote against the sale of cannabis in pubs.

However, some were in favour of legalisation. Phil Dixon, who left his role as head of membership at the British Institute of Innkeeping last year, claimed legalising cannabis would free up the police to concentrate on hard drugs and violence.

Related news:​

Pub cannabis use to be discussed (26 October 2001)

Cannabis hopes go to pot (28 September 2001)

Decriminalisation of cannabis to be discussed at Pub & Bar 2001 (11 September 2001)