Unscrupulous companies are extorting money from licensees under the pretence of promoting drug awareness, says a leading charity.
Drugscope, the leading drugs information charity, argues that these companies are targeting small business and licensees under the pretence that they are contributing to a worthy cause.
Individuals and businesses are usually 'cold called' asking if they would like to help raise awareness about drugs among young people in their local community. As soon as interest is expressed, an invoice is sent for booklets to be distributed in local schools.
Sometimes the booklets exist, sometimes they don't, but even where they do, the cost of production is grossly inflated for the purposes of profit. Furthermore, the information in the booklets is very often wrong or misleading, but may include contact details suggesting the involvement of organisations such as DrugScope.
The Publican has received a raft of calls from licensees claiming they have been hit by similar scams.
Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, said: "These companies are not only exploiting the desire of businesses to help children and young people in their community, but where they do provide drug information the quality is poor and verging on the harmful.
"If in doubt, we would encourage people to contact their local trading standards department or DrugScope. The dodgy practices of some companies should not be allowed to damage the important work of drug education and information, particularly in schools."
Several companies have been shut down by the Department for Trade and Industry, only to reappear under another name. DrugScope is writing to local business associations and chambers of commerce to warn of the scam.