BAR BACKS DRUG TESTING

A COMPANY director of Beaconsfield's Revolution bar has given his
backing to police drug testing on the premises.

New technology was used to crack down on illegal drug taking when
officers conducted the first operation of its kind in the town.

They searched more than 50 people for drugs at nightclub Revolution,
after traces of class A drugs were found on them on the evening of
the town's annual Festival of Light on December 12.

Neil Macleod, director of the company that owns the bar in Maxwell
Road, said: "I would like to say that Revolution fully support police
operations that are aimed at reducing the threat of drugs. It's part
of our licensing requirements which requires that places remain
vigilant to the threat of drugs.

"The fact that no one was carrying any drugs shows our processes must
be reasonably robust."

An intemiser testing kit, which works within seconds by reading a
swab taken from someone's hands, was used. No drugs were found.

Mr Macleod added: "Any of these people who might be tempted to take
drugs around with them at this time of year will be deterred. It's a
good thing."

Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Lynch, said: "Although no drugs were
found, it was a good deterrent and demonstrated the good working
relationship between us and the management at Revolution, who are
working with us to reduce the number of reported crimes linked to
their premises."

Police say they will continue to use the device alongside other
operations to reduce the use of illegal drugs.