The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) is encouraging its members to act as intelligence gatherers for the Garda in the fight against drugs.
The call was made by Mr John Mansworth of the VFI at the publication of a new set of guidelines produced by the Garda, the licensed trade and the Department of Health and Children that highlights the threat of drug use in pubs and clubs.
Mr Mansworth said his organisation “was delighted to come on board” with the production of the guidelines and would be encouraging members to liaise with local gardaí on the issue.
"Drugs are now available in every town and county despite the best efforts of the police," said Mr Mansworth. "We are very happy to sent this booklet to our members who are mostly rural publicans. Their age profile is such that many would not be aware of what to look for."
Assistant Garda Commissioner Alan McHugh this morning rejected any suggestion that publicans would not want to highlight drug use on their premises for fear of adverse publicity.
“There is a legal responsibility of holders of licenses to prevent the sale of drugs on their premises, and the majority make efforts to help us,” he said. “Prosecutions won't endanger the licence but licence holders need to be aware of the legislation.”
In recent years two premises have lost their licence for allowing drug selling after they were targeted as part of the Garda's "Operation Nightcap".
The booklet,
Guidelines Regarding Drug Dealing on or in the Vicinity of Licenced Premises, is published as part of the Government’s National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.
It gives advice to staff and management on how to prevent their premises being used for the sale and distribution of drugs, how to spot drug use, as well as providing them with the relevant legislation. The guide will be distributed to 14,000 owners of pubs, hotels and night clubs.