Pubdate: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 Source: Manchester Evening News (UK) Copyright: 2002 Manchester Evening News Contact: http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1313 Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n407/a09.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?158 (Club Drugs) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel