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.
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