PUBS AND BARS TO WIPE OUT COCAINE ABUSE

PUBS and bars are to use drug-testing kits in a bid to wipe out
cocaine use.

Westhoughton Pub and Club Alliance is handing out the swab kits,
which are wiped over surfaces such as toilet cisterns and seats to
detect traces of the drug, to 20 of its members.

Material on the swab changes colour if it picks up
cocaine.

If the scheme proves a success it could be copied in Bolton town
centre.

The alliance, which decided to invest in the kits at its December
meeting, is also distributing alcohol test kits which can check
whether drinks have been spiked with extra alcohol, drugs or "date
rape" chemicals.

They will be distributed to pubs and clubs within the
week.

Alliance chairman Brendan Derhan said: "We realised the facility was
there for us to do this and help make each of the pubs and clubs
within the group a safer environment for customers.

"The police have fully supported the move and we just see it as
another service we can provide to our members."

The alliance, formed in 2000, hopes the move will ward off potential
troublemakers.

Mr Derhan added: "It's a deterrent to those thinking about using
drugs and it enables the pubs to gather evidence for the police as
well."

Alcohol tests work like litmus paper, with a strip which changes
colour to indicate the presence of abnormally high volumes of alcohol
or chemicals such as ketamine and GHB, which can be used for "date
rape".

If a customer believes their drink may have been spiked, bar staff
will be able to use the kits to check whether they are safe.

PC Garry Lee, Bolton's licensing officer, said: "It's a great idea
and I would urge other pubs in the area who are not members of the
alliance to join and become a part of this scheme."

PC Lee said the kits can be supplied to pubs and clubs in Bolton town
centre by police if requested.

Rob Dyson is business crime manager of the Bolton Town Safe
partnership, which works with pubs and clubs in the town centre.

He said: "I will be taking a serious look at the findings in
Westhoughton to see if it is something we can introduce in the town
centre.

"It's got to be a good thing. It seems like a logical and beneficial
approach to take."