Drug Awareness

23rd January 2007


Some Councils have announced that they will shortly be issuing their Licensing Inspectors with "drug wipes" to detect drugs on toilets and other areas within licensed premises. If they find a positive test (for cocaine or amphetamines for example) they have been instructed to report the matter to the police.

What you can do

What are my responsibilities in relation to drugs on licensed premises?

You should establish and maintain appropriate practices to guard against your premises being used for the purpose of drug dealing and taking. You should co-operate with police investigating the use of drugs.

What key information should I provide to my staff in order to appropriately respond to drug issues?

Staff should understand their legal obligations; know how to recognise drugs; be vigilant and report any suspicions about drug dealing use in or around your premises. Staff should co-operate with police investigating illicit drug issues. All staff should be aware of the occupational health and safety procedures to ensure an immediate, appropriate and adequate response to any overdose that occurs in or around your premises.

How will the authorities see my request if I ask for help to deal with drug use within my licensed premises?

By acknowledging the possibility of drug use on or in the vicinity of your premises, educating customers and staff about the harms associated with drug use and reporting drug dealing to the police, you will be seen as taking a responsible attitude towards the safety, health and well-being for customers and staff.

© Davenport Lyons 2007. All rights reserved.
This document reflects the law and practice as at January 2007. It is general in nature, and does not purport in any way to be comprehensive or a substitute for specialist legal advice in individual circumstances.