Nottinghamshire Police visited 14 pubs and bars last Friday (July 22), with the force reporting ‘a number’ of premises tested displaying slight traces of the drug.
Managers and door staff were given about steps to combat drug-taking in their venues following the discovery.
Proactive checks on bars, pubs and taxi operators are set to continue as Nottinghamshire Police ‘aims to make nights out in the county and city as safe as possible’.
The latest checks took place during a ‘night of action’ in West Bridgford and Ruddington, with the officers and staff from the force working alongside council and VOSA officials to inspect venues and vehicles.
Evidence
The aim of the checks was to identify and stop suspected drink-drivers, to inspect for evidence of drug-taking in bars and pubs and to ensure taxi operators were meeting their licence conditions.
There was no evidence of drink or drug driving or any antisocial behaviour.
The Licensing checks were organised by Paul Horton, licensing enforcement officer at Nottinghamshire Police.
Horton said: "The operation builds on our continued efforts to make Nottinghamshire’s Night Time Economy safe. We want everyone who visits any of our towns to have a safe and enjoyable night and a safe journey home.
Zero tolerance
"As part of the initiative we work hard, alongside our partners, licensed premises to take a zero tolerance stance to alcohol-related violence and disorder.
"The local Pubwatches in both Ruddington and West Bridgford fully support these nights of action that reassures them and their customers of a safe and enjoyable evening
"We’ve already seen that violent crime reduces when we use drugs dogs operations and we are determined to keep using this tactic until people realise that if they come into Nottinghamshire with drugs they will be caught.
"We will continue with our proactive nights of action with partners during the year across the whole of the county to ensure people can enjoy themselves safely."