Met police act to clarify cannabis laws

Police in central London have written to licensees to help clarify the law on cannabis use on licensed premises.

The move follows widespread confusion among publicans over how plans to recategorise the drug as a class C substance will effect them.

There have been fears within the trade that the public may misinterpret the government's announcement as a green light to smoke joints in pubs and bars across the country.

The Metropolitan Police have now issued a letter advising licensees that smoking cannabis is still illegal and asking them to maintain a zero tolerance policy to all drug use on licensed premises.

The letter adds: "Customers should be made aware that they will have any drugs in their possession seized should they try to enter your premises."

The reclassification will take effect next year and is viewed by some as the start of a process that could lead to the drug being legalised.

Licensees have called for national guidelines on tackling cannabis use in pubs and are asking ministers to make it clear to the public that the drug remains illegal.

They had feared that some licensees could be in danger of losing their licence if they fail to tackle the growing problem.

Related articles:​

Lambeth Police launches cannabis awareness campaign (31 July 2002)

Home Office refuses to issue guidance on drugs (18 July 2002)

Trade attacks plans to re-classify cannabis (11 July 2002)

Cannabis law change has trade worried (25 March 2002)