Avon and Somerset pubs to take extra measures to prevent drug use

Related tags Drugs Illegal drug trade Somerset

Publicans in Avon and Somerset are using new handheld drug detectors to help prevent illegal drug use on their premises.Licensees will be working...

Publicans in Avon and Somerset are using new handheld drug detectors to help prevent illegal drug use on their premises.

Licensees will be working closely with Avon and Somerset police and will be using the latest technology to detect illegal drugs such as cannabis, ecstacy and cocaine.

They will be using equipment to scan people coming onto their premises as well as their baggage and their vehicles for illegal drugs.

Anyone who refuses to be tested will not be allowed in. Doorstaff at pubs will be able to use the equipment, which uses a small sensitive detector which is brushed across the palm of a hand, forehead or inside a pocket to detect traces of drugs. It can spot minimal amounts of drugs in just four seconds.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said the machine should be a huge deterrent factor and help to keep drugs out of pubs and clubs.

Tony Payne of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association, said: "It's an excellent idea. It's better than having guide dogs on the premises. If it does trace drugs then I'm all for it. We don't want drugs in pubs as it can lead to violent behaviour.

"This could well be the way forward, especially as the government is giving out mixed messages."

Just a few weeks ago, licensees in east Devon agreed to allow police sniffer dogs into their pubs in a bid to stop customers bringing drugs onto the premises.

The dogs, which can sniff out drugs including cannabis and cocaine, will make regular visits to 400 pubs taking part in the Pubs Against Drugs scheme, in what is hoped will severely disrupt the drugs trade and could lead to similar schemes across the country.

Related topics Legislation

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more