Clubbing Conference Calls for Partnership Approach The issue of drugs and the night time economy came under scrutiny once again on May 12th, with a conference aimed to provide licencees and invited guests with the most up to date guidance on tackling drugs supply and use. The conference, hosted by Milton Keynes Drug Action Team (DAT), was designed to spell out the implications of recent legislative changes for those affected by the drugs issue in the trade. Speakers included Milton Keynes DAT co-ordinator Chris Vallance; the Detective Inspector Drugs Legislation and Enforcement Unit at the Home Office, Ian Robinson; the deputy policy lead for the Home Office Drug Strategy Directorate, Jacob Hawkins; and Chief Executive of BEDA Jon Collins. Speakers discussed changes in drug habits and markets, the implications of the impending Licensing Act, security industry reform, and harm reduction strategies. All parties stressed the need for consultation and partnership working in addressing the issue of drugs misuse in the nighttime economy, confirming the need for local action if the aims of the National Drugs Strategy are to be achieved. Speakers also stressed the need to keep the drug problem in proportion. Drug rape, which has been the subject of much media coverage, was singled out as one instance in which hype has obscured a dangerous reality - that the majority of cases of drug induced rape are in fact alcohol rather than narcotics related. Valance and Hawkins both raised concerns over the effectiveness of drug testing kits currently on sale. Valance confirmed that Milton Keynes would be using alternative methods - such as the use of stickers or sticks, as pioneered by Castle Leisure across their Scottish estate - to alert clubbers of the dangers of spiking. The conference came as the Home Office makes final amends to Safer Nights, a follow up to 2002's Safer Clubbing guidance, targeted at smaller venues. Safer Clubbing, an internationally recognised document, gave practical advice to licensing authorities, club managers and promoters aimed at delivering a safer clubbing environment for all. The conference was part of a programme of initiatives currently being carried out by Milton Keynes DAT. In a bid to make central Milton Keynes a drug free zone, the programme has seen licencees in the area sign up to a protocol that allows drug dogs, supplied by private contractor GIB, to visit their premises at any time. As well as working to deter drug taking, the DAT has also been running the successful Frank campaign - giving advice to clubbers on making nights out safer.
