A nightclub in Lincolnshire is cooperating with local authorities on a new campaign that puts drug itemiser machines at the club entrances to test patrons for illegal substances.

Everyone who entered the Circle Nightclub has their hands swabbed and tested by the itemiser machines. The venue is the first in the area to use the tools as part of Operation Waiver, an initiative implemented by local authorities that are set to expand to other venues in the city over the next few months.

Licensing Sergeant Kim Enderby explained how the system works:

'The machine reads the swabs and indicates if there has been any contact with illegal drugs. The machine is calibrated to test for a wide cross-section of drugs widely in use including Cocaine, Ecstasy and Amphetamine. Those who tested positive were spoken to by the local officers and if the grounds were established, they would be searched under the misuse of drugs act.'

The drug swabs also took place inside the venue, according to Enderby:

'Prior to the operation we swabbed all the public areas inside the nightclub, so the management were aware of the locations within the club where illegal drugs had been used. With this information, they are able to put pro-active steps in place to deter similar activity occurring.'

Apparently, the operation was positive, and patrons were 'happy to be swabbed'

Via The Lincolnite & Mixmag