Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jan 2008
Source: Bolton News, The (UK)
Copyright: 2008 Newsquest Media Group
Contact:  http://www.boltoneveningnews.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4314
Author: Paul Keaveny
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/date+rape (date rape)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

PUBS AND BARS TO WIPE OUT COCAINE ABUSE

PUBS and bars are to use drug-testing kits in a bid to  wipe out
cocaine use.

Westhoughton Pub and Club Alliance is handing out the  swab kits,
which are wiped over surfaces such as toilet  cisterns and seats to
detect traces of the drug, to 20  of its members.

Material on the swab changes colour if it picks up
cocaine.

If the scheme proves a success it could be copied in  Bolton town
centre.

The alliance, which decided to invest in the kits at  its December
meeting, is also distributing alcohol test  kits which can check
whether drinks have been spiked  with extra alcohol, drugs or "date
rape" chemicals.

They will be distributed to pubs and clubs within the
week.

Alliance chairman Brendan Derhan said: "We realised the  facility was
there for us to do this and help make each  of the pubs and clubs
within the group a safer  environment for customers.

"The police have fully supported the move and we just  see it as
another service we can provide to our  members."

The alliance, formed in 2000, hopes the move will ward  off potential
troublemakers.

Mr Derhan added: "It's a deterrent to those thinking  about using
drugs and it enables the pubs to gather  evidence for the police as
well."

Alcohol tests work like litmus paper, with a strip  which changes
colour to indicate the presence of  abnormally high volumes of alcohol
or chemicals such as  ketamine and GHB, which can be used for "date
rape".

If a customer believes their drink may have been  spiked, bar staff
will be able to use the kits to check  whether they are safe.

PC Garry Lee, Bolton's licensing officer, said: "It's a  great idea
and I would urge other pubs in the area who  are not members of the
alliance to join and become a  part of this scheme."

PC Lee said the kits can be supplied to pubs and clubs  in Bolton town
centre by police if requested.

Rob Dyson is business crime manager of the Bolton Town  Safe
partnership, which works with pubs and clubs in  the town centre.

He said: "I will be taking a serious look at the  findings in
Westhoughton to see if it is something we  can introduce in the town
centre.

"It's got to be a good thing. It seems like a logical  and beneficial
approach to take."
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath