Publicans urged to remain vigilant over drug use on premises

Publicans are being urged to be as vigilant as ever in spotting and eradicating drug use on their premises, despite a relaxation of laws surrounding cannabis use.

Licensees in Lambeth have been told to continue anti-drugs policies even if, as expected, the six-month trial of the more relaxed policing of cannabis use in the London borough is extended.

The relaxed law allows people in Lambeth to be in possession of the drug for personal use but not for dealing.

But the Guild of Master Victuallers has warned the legal situation remains the same as before for publicans in the borough and that drug use of any description will not be tolerated.

After meeting with police, Brian Rees (pictured)​, immediate past chairman of the Guild of Master Victuallers, said: "It must be stressed that publicans should be as vigilant as ever.

"I would say that they should not allow people to use drugs on their premises at all and that there should be no exceptions to this rule.

"It's the biggest disease in our trade and no publican worth their salt would allow drugs use in their pubs."

Despite Mr Rees suggesting that people in Lambeth now believe that they can smoke cannabis on pub premises - as they can on the borough's streets - he advises publicans to ask anybody caught in possession of cannabis to leave immediately.

If they resist Mr Rees recommends the police are called.

Mr Rees said this policy for licensees will still be the case if cannabis is downgraded from a class B to class C drug as the Home Secretary is currently considering.

The British Institute of Innkeeping recommends licensees discuss the issue with their local police licensing officer.