Illegal Drug Trade

Fabric closure

Fabric says ‘there is no safe way to take drugs’ following drug death inquest

05-Jan-2017 By Nikkie Sutton

Iconic London nightclub Fabric has warned partygoers there is no safe way to take drugs ahead of its reopening, this weekend (Friday 6 January).

Legal Advice

Dealing with use of illegal drugs in your pub

04-Apr-2016 By Poppleston Allen

We have recently commented on the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, which comes into force later this year and introduces a number of offences relating to ‘legal highs’.

Comment

The political narrative of 'Booze Britain' still exists - but don't make yourself an easy target

09-Feb-2016 By Paul Chase

In what sometimes seems like another life, I spent 23 years operating late-night clubs and bars on Merseyside.

New figures show Brits spend more on drugs and prostitutes than beer and wine

01-Oct-2014 By James Wallin

New figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) have claimed that UK consumers spend more every year on illegal drugs and prostitution than beer and wine.

Legal guide: Pubs and drugs

26-Jun-2013 By Poppleston Allen

Pubs open their doors and welcome people in but, unfortunately, some of those passing through will be carrying drugs. Illegal drugs are a danger to your premises licence and reputation. Our legal guide will help identify the issues involved.

Lumping pubs in with crack dens is an insult to hard-working licensees

07-Jun-2012 By Rob Willock

So it comes to this. In its efforts to curb antisocial behaviour the Government has lumped pubs together with crack dens.

Gang leader jailed over £1.8m duty fraud

06-Oct-2011 By Gurjit Degun

The leader of a gang involved in evading £1.8m in excise duty has been jailed after an HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigation into the sale of illicit alcohol.

Licensee anger over police raid

22-Feb-2010 By Lesley Foottit

The licensee of the Farthings in Blackburn is demanding an apology after 50 officers raided her pub at 7.30pm last Friday and left empty-handed. The...

Drugs in Pubs: Seven steps to a drug-free pub

24-Apr-2009

People using or dealing drugs in your pub can spell disaster. As most responsible operators will be aware, if your punters are caught with illegal...

Drugs in pubs: Dealing with the issue

23-Apr-2009

If you ask a selection of licensees about the drugs issue you will invariably get a whole range of responses. Some in the licensed trade say drugs...

Portman steps up battle with BrewDog

20-Jan-2009 By Ewan Turney

The war of words between the Portman Group and BrewDog has stepped up a gear after the industry watchdog banned its Speedball beer.

Drug-testing device used at pubs and clubs

13-Nov-2008

Pubs and clubs north of the border have been taking part in tests using a pioneering portable drug detection machine. More than 750 would-be...

Pink Elephant escapes ticking off

14-Aug-2007 By James Wilmore

A complaint that the name of a wine is linked to drug-induced hallucinations has been dismissed by the Independent Complaints Panel. Pink Elephant,...

Getting high on the agenda

19-Jul-2007

I have just been to a re-screening of the film Pulp Fiction, in which drug-taking features largely and dramatically. Fictional it may be, but young...

Pub hosts anti-drug checks

10-May-2007 By James Wilmore

A Hertfordshire pub has sent out a strong anti-drugs message to its customers by inviting police in to carry out checks.Drugs tests were carried out...

What the papers say - March 23, 2007

23-Mar-2007 By Gareth Iacobucci

Greene King gets a roasting from Lewes pub goers over the removal of Harvey's beers from their favourite local, The Lewes Arms - GuardianA third of...

Alcohol and tobacco more dangerous than ecstasy, says study

05-Mar-2007

Government urged to consider reclassifying drugs according to the harm they do - and putting alcohol and tobacco above illegal drugs like ecstasy.

Bar owner praised in drug fight

07-Feb-2007

A Lincolnshire bar owner has been praised for helping police fight drug use by allowing his customers and his bar to be swabbed for drugs.

Trade rubbishes 'LSD safer than beer' study

31-Jul-2006 By John Harrington

Trade leaders have rubbished a new report that ranks alcohol and tobacco as more harmful than LSD, ecstasy and cannabis. MPs argued for alcohol and...

Licensees trial new anti-drug technology

15-Mar-2004

Licensees have joined forces with Surrey police to trial the latest anti-drugs technology.Saturday night customers at the White Hart pub in Reigate...

Kent hosts battle against drug use

24-Jul-2003

by John Harrington Licensees in Kent are preparing to use the latest technology in their battle against drugs. From the end of this month, landlords...

Success for Crimestoppers campaign to "shop" drink drivers

16-Jan-2003

Licensees are being asked to continue throwing their weight behind a campaign to "shop" drink drivers.The Crimestoppers controversial campaign, which...

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

11-Oct-2002

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

Government drugs guide is 'contradictory', says Drugscope

19-Mar-2002

The Government has come under heavy fire for giving licensees contradictory information on drugs.The attack comes after the Home Office issued a new...