Page 42 - Door Supervision Training Booklet

General Information
On the subject of the misuse of illegal drugs at raves and other dance events, the Home Offices Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs published a set of guidelines on the criteria for the granting of licences by local authorities. Specific recommendations included: -
• The availability of free cold water
• The provision of rest facilities in a cool environment
• The monitoring of temperatures and air quality
• The provision of information and advice on drugs
• Compliance with a regulatory scheme for the selection, training and management of
door staff
Further guidance was also given to licensed premises to assist them to reduce the use and sale of illegal drugs on those premises. It recommended that licensees, managers and/or organisers should: -
• Ensure that the outer clothing, pockets and bags of those entering are searched by a trained venue staff member of the same sex in cases where there is reasonable suspicion that drugs are being carried;
• Put up a clearly visible notice advising those attending that it is a condition of entry that customers agree to being searched and that the police will be informed if anyone is found in possession of controlled substances or weapons;
• Ensure security arrangements are sufficient to discourage the sale and consumption of drugs (eg have venue staff located in the toilet area or make regular checks there)
• Exclude customers known to have been previously convicted of committing criminal offences relating to drugs;
• Liaise with the police to consider what steps might be taken to assist with surveillance, these might include installing video surveillance equipment to monitor activity;
• Seek advice of the police on procedures for keeping records of incidents and making such records available for inspection (e.g. nature of incident to be recorded, all incidents of specific types such as those involving disorder, violence, drug use, drug dealing, other crime, ill health etc., and the specific information required);
• Policies to be developed by owners/managers/organisers and the police on action to be taken concerning storage and disposal/transfer of confiscated drugs, and procedures towards individuals who commit criminal offences;
• Liaise with local drug agencies to develop a drugs prevention strategy for the venue;
• Display posters and/or distribute leaflets and other information about the effects and
dangers of and the laws in relation to drugs;
• Deal with customers who become ill and take appropriate action, liaising between
customers and staff over problems, conflicts or drug dealing on the premises;
• Provide adequate first aid facilities, having at least two trained first aiders on the
premises at all times during the event.
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