Westbury Pubwatch has jumped at the chance to increase their drug awareness.
Licensees and their staff play a vital role in preventing drug misuse on licensed premises, but the issue can be complex and requires some training to be able to recognise controlled substances and its effect on individuals, particularly when mixed with alcohol.
Westbury Pubwatch has over the last four years received regular inputs from police and has supported Wiltshire Police operations using the ion track machine, a drugs detection device that can detect even the smallest trace of a controlled substance.
This year all members of Westbury Pubwatch will be joining other watches from the district for an afternoon’s training and discussion at Trowbridge Civic Hall. This partnership-funded event is being organised by Wiltshire Police Community Affairs department. Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) beat manager Pc Jo Philpott and PCSO Matt Stewart will be joining the licensees for the afternoon.
Pc Jo Philpott said, “I was approached by a number of licensees from Westbury who felt they need to update their drugs awareness training, and the event next month will I hope give them the knowledge to continue the good work they do in deterring drug users, additionally increased knowledge about drugs will I am sure lead to more information coming to the police about those involved in drug use and supply.”
Police licensing officer, Jacqui Gallimore said, “I had the chance to personally invite members of Westbury Pubwatch this morning, invitations to other watches will be sent out this week. I was delighted with the uptake of places, even with the ever increasing financial pressures being placed on the licensed trade. I am impressed by the willingness of Westbury Pubwatch members to give up their own time to meet, discuss and resolve problems.
“As a group they show real commitment to the Pubwatch principles, which is supported by police at both local and national level. Some of the Westbury members have over 15 years’ experience of Pubwatch and I am hoping that not only will they get the chance to learn, but they will be able to share their knowledge with other watch members from other areas at the event. I am looking forward to seeing them all in Trowbridge on the 7th of December.”
