Pubdate: Thu, 20 Dec 2007
Source: Bucks Free Press (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Newsquest Media Group
Contact: http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/aboutus/submissions/sendletter/
Website: http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3770
Author: Hannah Williams
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom