VENUES in York could be made to draw up a written policy on how to deal with drugs to help tackle their illegal use in the city.

Premises from nightclubs to village halls that are licensed for public entertainment may have to create a written drugs policy, if councillors approve new plans.

In 2001, there were 2,690 drug arrests in York, and city leaders are keen to raise awareness of the misuses of illegal substances at night spots and venues.

But the changes may be limited to premises which also hold a licence to sell alcohol - which would exclude community, church and social halls from the additional requirements.

Restaurants, hotels, theatres, and any premises that hold fewer than 101 people may also be left out from the plans.

Members of City of York Council's licensing and regulatory committee were expected to approve an addition to the Rules of Management for Public Entertainment when they meet today.

Regulation unit manager Richard Haswell states in his report to councillors that the positive actions of those venues in the city that do operate a drug policy led to 203 arrests for drug-related offences in 2001.

He said: "It has become apparent from information received from licensed premises within the city and North Yorkshire Police, that the use of illegal drugs does occur on licensed premises.

"Some licensees and employees do not have the necessary level of awareness or knowledge to adequately deal with this situation."

Among the areas that may be included within the policy are:

Guidelines on search and arrest

Making notes and keeping a record of suspected offences

Discouraging drug use through the venue's design

Public safety, first-aid and medical emergencies

Of 94 businesses that were asked to comment on the plans, five replied saying that they were in favour of the plans.

The report said that managers at a small pub expressed concern that it did not have enough staff to support the condition and seven other venues, including a theatre, restaurant and hotel, argued that the condition was not relevant to their businesses.

Updated: 10:41 Monday, November 04, 2002