Security: Drugs in pubs

Do you suspect drug-handling or even dealing in your pub? Sniffer dogs may be the answer to this problem.​

News that nine out of 10 pubs and bars tested in a drugs crackdown by North Staffordshire police were found to have traces of cocaine on the premises should ring alarm bells throughout the trade.

There may be no obvious drug taking or dealing going on in your pub - something that could lose you your licence - but can you be sure? A heavy-handed door policy could irritate good customers, and how do you prove a suspicious character is carrying drugs without causing embarrassment?

The answer could be a sniffer dog. This might sound like a drastic solution, conjuring up Sweeney-style images of villains being brought to the ground by alsatians, but the reality is much more subtle - and increasing numbers of licensees are making use of the service.

The dogs​

These dogs, usually cuddly spaniels or labradors, are used to detect drugs, including the latest date-rape drugs as well as the more common cannabis and cocaine, in much the same way they might sniff out a buried bone. And they can work in a way that suits your business.

So if, for instance, you're pretty sure your pub is the target of dealers you can make a strong point by putting a sniffer dog on the door.

If, however, you merely have a suspicion that some of your customers are nipping off to the toilet with an illicit substance, you can take a more discreet approach.

UK Wide Security Services is one company that specialises in the more subtle uses of sniffer dogs. It might involve, for example, a plain clothes handler and dog casually wandering around the bar. If the dog smells drugs it is trained to give its handler a sign.

It won't seize the suspect by the leg nor will it start barking "junkie" in dog language. Every dog has its own individual sign, but it's most likely to sit down contentedly wagging its tail with a smug look on its face.

For the dog, as UK Wide Security Services chief Paul Levine points out, drug detection is no more than an amusing game.

"We will usually visit a pub once or twice at random on a busy night to check it out," he says.

The dog will simply be allowed to roam around the bar. Customers may suspect nothing and will often give the dog a pat.

"Everything is registered in a log book so the licensee can prove to police he's carried out due diligence and done his best to eradicate any drugs problem," explains Paul.

"Publicans might be fearful that we'll find something, but they should really see it as preventing a problem."

A helping hand​

If the dog does find someone with drugs on them, UK Wide will give you advice on how to deal with it, but it will depend on the specific circumstances. You may want to confront the individual and call the police. But it may be more appropriate to have a quiet word with them, especially if they are a regular and part of a large group or it's likely to be cannabis for personal use.

You can do this without anyone else knowing. But you might want to advertise the fact you use sniffer dogs, or make sure they are visible, as a deterrent. It depends on how serious you think your problem might be.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell. In one case UK Wide worked on the dog took an interest in one of the tills. There was nothing hidden under it or behind it and it turned out that a member of the barstaff had been dealing. Minute traces of cannabis had transferred from their fingertips to the till keypads and that's what the dog had picked up.

If your pub has acquired a reputation as somewhere people can score drugs, then calling in dogs will soon scare off a dealer. The problem for the trade, of course, is that they may only move their pitch to a pub up the road.

"Ideally I'd like to see licensees work together in an area so it doesn't just move the problem to another pub," says Paul, who is looking to work more closely with pub groups and brewers.

If you decide to use sniffer dogs you should make sure they are properly trained. Ordinary security dogs will not do.

Companies offering a sniffer dog service should be licensed by the National Association of Security Dog Users. The cost of a sniffer dog visit will vary according to the size of the pub, but it averages around £60.

Drugs in pubs - is yours clean?​

The Publican's Market Report survey 2004, the results of which were released earlier this month, showed a slight dip in licensees with drug problems - but a small increase in those who have come across drug-dealing on the premises.

Thirteen per cent of the survey - the equivalent of more than 9,000 pubs across the country - have experienced drug-taking and possession and five per cent drug-dealing. One per cent have a problem with so-called date-rape drugs.

The figure for taking and possession rises to 28 per cent among theme bars and to 23 per cent among suburban and estate pubs. It also seems to be more serious in the North.

Sixty per cent of licensees have, however, trained their staff in drugs awareness, up from 57 per cent last year.

Click here​ for your copy of The Publican Market Report 2004.