Licensees' drug awareness course

Forty Nottinghamshire licensees have successfully completed a course aimed at raising drug abuse awareness.

The licensees from Gedling and Broxtowe Borough Council will be given their certificates on Tuesday after completing a one-day course.

The qualification aims to raise awareness of the illegal drugs scene, and the laws relevant to it.

It also aims to help managers and publicans deal with drug-related problems on their premises.

National figures show... 18% of licensees have witnessed drug taking on their premises Paul Horton, Licensing Officer for Nottinghamshire Police

Licensees, from premises on the A60, Ravenshead, Calverton, Arnold, Carlton, Beeston, Stapleford, Eastwood and Kimberley, attended the course then sat an exam.

Divisional Commander Richard Johnson said: "Drugs have become a problem that impact on everyone and their use within our pubs and clubs needs to be tackled jointly with licensees...

"This will ensure that people can enjoy a safe environment whilst socialising.

"The training involved in gaining this qualification will enable our licensees to become more observant and aware of drug related issues."

Licensing Officer for Nottinghamshire Police Paul Horton, who gained funding for the courses and helped organise them, said: "(The licensees) will be able to share their newfound knowledge with staff and customers on their premises.

"National figures show that 49% of 16 to 19-year-olds have used drugs at some point and 18% of licensees have witnessed drug taking on their premises.

"Through all the licensees passing this qualification we hope to see a reduction in incidents in licensed premises".

The course was funded by Broxtowe and Gedling Borough Councils.

Deputy Chief Constable Howard Roberts presented the National Licensees Certificates in Drug Awareness on Tuesday morning.