Pub drinkers tested for drugs

Police join forces with a pub landlord to swab drinkers for signs of drugs

Computerised drug tests have been carried out at a Kent pub as part of a police crackdown on drug use.

The pub landlord and the police have defended the measures even though there were no positive tests or arrests at the Bishops Oak in Tonbridge on Friday.

The tests involve a swab on the hand, after which hi-tech equipment can show whether a person has handled drugs.

Landlord Paul Sarnie said: "I just want to find out for myself what is going on in my establishment."

Prevalence of drugs

He said: "It is basically to highlight the growing awareness we have that drugs are more prevalent in the community than they have been in recent years."

Everyone in the pub on Friday night agreed to be tested and were all found to be clear.

Pc Tim Moody, of Kent Police, said: "Our general feedback that we get from members of the public is that they think it is a fantastic idea."

He said: "They do feel safer going out in these places because they know that the particular element that may use drugs are not going to be there."