BII drug awareness training gets support from licensing authorities

BII drug awareness training for licensees is attracting support from licensing authorities, councils and the police across the country.

The BII Awarding Body (BIIAB) has developed the National Drugs Certificate for Licensees to stress the importance of knowledge and awareness of drugs, as well as providing guidelines to help licensees recognise, prevent and deal effectively with drug-related problems.

Norwich law firm Howes Percival is one of those that is helping promoted better training regionally.Director of training Brian Hardie said a new Home Office guide 'Safer Clubbing' had added to awareness of the problem.

He added: "Licensees should adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards drugs, which should be clear to all customers. The onus is on licensees not to 'knowingly permit or suffer' drug offences to take place on their premises. Turning a blind eye will constitute 'knowingly' and so every licensee needs to have a proper drug strategy and enforce it."

Cathie Smith, director of qualifications at the BII, said: "Brian Hardie has successfully promoted these BIIAB qualifications to the region where he is a significant influence for professional licensed retailing."

In Norfolk, a partnership of police, local authorities, Norwich City College and other organisations is seeking to raise European funding through the Learning Skills Council to promote safer clubbing. PC Richard Price, drugs co-ordination officer for Norfolk Police, is working with the trade. "The new certificate adds more professionalism to the approach of licensees," he said.