Licensees have been left under a heavy cloud of confusion after David Blunkett confirmed his plans to re-classify cannabis. The home secretary confirmed that cannabis would be downgraded from a class B to a class C drug, making it unlikely that people will be arrested simply for possession.
But this news has not been welcomed by the trade. The Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association's Tony Payne said that it would only serve to make life more difficult for licensees, most of whom are striving to keep drugs off their premises.
He was waiting to speak with the Home Office about issuing guidance for licensees.
The British Institute of Innkeeping's Georgina Wald also condemned the move. "Drugs are still illegal," she said. "Licensees should make sure that drugs are not used on their premises."
John Franklyin-Webb who has worked with police and licensees to improve security within the industry told thePublican.com that he had witnessed huge problems already.
"Since it was announced that there would be a softly-softly approach in Lambeth, we've had problems where people have been caught with cannabis and refused entry to a club. These people then argue that it's not exactly illegal and that they should be allowed to come in.
"It puts a huge responsibility on licensees and bar staff because it is still illegal. Certainly there is confusion." The Association of Chief Police Officers, the Metropolitan Police and some drug charities have applauded the move. Meanwhile, former drugs czar Keith Hellawell quit his post as government drug adviser because he felt the government was sending out the wrong message to young people.
The committee also recommended moving Ecstasy from class A to B, but Mr Blunkett rejected this, stressing: "It kills."