By Michele Canning Smith
'There will be no drugs in this club' - Those were the determined words of Strabane niteclub Katy Dalys, Martin French, as moves got underway this week to stamp out any possibility of drinks being spiked with drugs in the pubs and clubs of the town.
He said the introduction of bottle stoppers, acting as anti-spiking devices, into pubs and clubs in Strabane would help raise awareness among the youth.
Both the PSNI and licensees have stressed that there have been no reported incidents of spiking in any premises in Strabane but that the is a precautionary move.
Police will be working with pubs and clubs to distribute the bright orange stoppers, anti spiking devices, that fit on top of drinks bottles, which means the alcohol can only be drunk through a straw.
Sgt Alan McWhirter, of the Community Safety Team in Strabane, said "We are aware that there have been claims in some other areas that drinks have been spiked, though we not heard of any in the Strabane area, but these devices will give a measure of reassurance.
"We have a good relationship with licensees in the area and we know they take their responsibilities seriously. They also know that we are serious in our determination to enforce the licensing laws, and that has been seen in actions we have taken in recent times."
Martin French, owner of Katy Dalys, told the Strabane Chronicle that an anti drugs campaign has been in existence in his club and they have made available the anti spiking devices u to one year ago.
But he said the spiking of drinks with drugs is not a problem for his entertainment complex.
"Drink spiking has not been a problem for Strabane nor for Katy Dalys. I an say that no-one has ever been spiked in Katys, definitely not."
Mr French said drugs has always posed a problem for the entertainment industry but added, "Let me tell you, the drugs problem today is not as bad as it was five years ago. I think young people are wising up to the fact, the drugs culture is declining and the young are shunning drugs.
"I would have seen it as a problem years ago but not now."
And he is adamant in his message to patrons, "There will be no drugs n Katy Dalys, it will not be tolerated."
"These anti-spiking devices are to raise awareness among young people that the possibility exists and they must protect themselves, it's a safeguard.
"We are trying to prevent spiking and licensees will be to the forefront in combating the drugs problem."
Meanwhile, Sgt McWhirter added, "Public safety and reassurance are the key issues, not just for those who go out for a night's entertainment in our local hostelries, but also those who live and work in close proximity to them."
As well as being available in some licensed premises, the anti-spiking devices are available by contacting Strabane police station.
