CLUB BOSSES: WE TRY TO BEAT DRUG PERIL

NIGHTSPOT bosses in Manchester say they already take commonsense
precautions to prevent drug deaths and emergencies, despite recent
government warnings.

The reaction comes after the Home Office said irresponsible club owners
could lose their licences if they fail to put rigorous drug prevention and
safety procedures in place.

Statistics published by the government, along with a Safer Clubbing Guide
for venue managers, revealed that most north west clubbers take a cocktail
of illegal drugs.

But club owners in Manchester say advice in the guide simply echoes what is
already going on in venues across the city.

Ross MacKenzie, promoter and managing director of a company which is to
open new venue One Central Street next month, said: "This can only help to
reinforce the message to licensees.

"But the advice -- such as providing adequate drinking water and
ventilation -- has been known about for some time."

Matt Neary, promotions manager for the Manto Group which owns Manto, the
Paradise Factory and Gaia, said: "We have always taken a responsible stance
to drugs.

"With clubbers there will always be drugs -- both the industry and the
police are well aware of that. Our own code of practice falls in line with
what the Home Office advises.

Common Sense

"As responsible owners, we want our nights to go as well as possible and
that means making sure people are as safe as they can be. That includes
commonsense measures such as ensuring the venue is properly ventilated."

Statistics from the Home Office reveal 87 per cent of north west clubbers
had taken cannabis in the last three months; 67pc said they had taken
Ecstasy; 77pc had taken amphetamine; 52pc had taken LSD, and 45pc had taken
cocaine.

A further 72pc said they had taken poppers, with only 15pc admitting to
have taken tranquillisers and 11pc having taken GHB, otherwise known as the
date-rape drug.

None of the 2,057 questioned said they had not taken any drugs in the last
three months.

Launching the guide, Home Office Drugs Minister Bob Ainsworth said: "It is
important we begin to change the culture and attitudes to drug taking that
have become a lifestyle choice for so many young people enjoying the club
scene.

"But we have to recognise that some clubbers will continue to ignore the
risks and carry on taking dangerous drugs.

"If we cannot stop them from taking drugs, then we must be prepared to take
steps to reduce the harm they may cause themselves."

As already reported in the Manchester Evening News, city centre police say
the battle against recreational drug use by clubbers is no longer top
priority, with efforts concentrated instead on heroin and crack dealers and
addicts whose actions have a bigger impact and cost to society.