Blackburn’s pubs and clubs are set to use drug detection torches to find out whether people have been taking cocaine. Blackburn’s Bar U scheme, which is run by all licensees in Blackburn town centre, has bought 20 ‘cocaine torches’ which can show up traces of the drug under an ultra violet light.
Police have welcomed the move which they hope will help to keep drugs out of Blackburn’s pubs and clubs. Licensing Officer PC Andy Duxbury said: "Whilst we don’t have a big drugs problem in the town centre, these torches are an additional tool to help us to reduce drug abuse in the town.
"Blackburn’s Bar U scheme now has 26 members and we work closely with licensees to reduce crime and disorder and to ensure that people using the town’s pubs and clubs can enjoy themselves in a safe environment.
"The majority of licensees in the town centre are linked directly to the police through an effective radio scheme and we also have a CCTV system covering all licensed premises in the town. This is monitored by staff based at Greenbank Police Station."
Police bought 16 of the torches earlier this year which have already proved to be a tool with a number of people being searched and refused entry into town centre pubs and clubs.
Vice Chair of the Blackburn Bar U scheme, Rosalina Panaro added: "All town centre pubs are looking forward to using the torches in conjunction with door staff and licensees. We are hoping for a town centre where everybody can enjoy a safe night out."
