PUBS, bars and nightclubs in York will have to draw up plans to tackle drug abuse on their premises if councillors approve a change to the licensing rules.

Last year saw 2,690 drug arrests in the city - 203 of those as a direct result of drugs policies already operating at a handful of city venues.

Members of the council's licensing and regulatory committee were today being asked to consider adding a new clause to the existing rules governing venues licensed for public entertainment.

Richard Haswell, the council's regulation unit manager, said in his report to the committee: "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."

Councillors were set to consider two options. One requires all premises with a public entertainment licence and a justices' on-licence to sell alcohol to have a written drugs policy which must be approved by the council.

The other option excludes "lower risk" venues, including restaurants, hotels, theatres, social clubs or other premises with an occupancy under 101 people.

It is proposed that licensees will have four months to draw up their drug policies and have them approved by the council. Guidance and training would be given to help them.

Venues such as community, church and school halls, which have public entertainment licences, would be automatically excluded, as the proposal is solely aimed at places which are also licensed to sell alcohol.

Depending on the size and nature of the venue, the proposed policies would have to cover searches, arrests, recording details of incidents, "designing out" drugs in venues, public safety, first aid, staff training and awareness of signs of drug use or drug dealing. Each policy would need to be tailored to the particular venue.

Police are backing the proposed change as they believe that making staff more vigilant will help to clamp down on drug use in city night-spots.

Updated: 11:55 Monday, October 28, 2002