British Authorities Endorse Harm Reduction in Clubs

Harm reduction measures which help reduce the dangers of ecstasy use are to be tolerated by British authorities, in what amounts to a implicit acceptance that prohibition has failed.

Ecstasy use is an "integral part of many clubbers' nights out," said Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth this week at the launch of a new official policy document, the "Safer Clubbing Guide."

"We have to recognise that some clubbers will continue to ignore the risks and carry on taking dangerous drugs," said the Minister.

"If we cannot stop them, then we must be prepared to take steps to reduce the harm they may cause themselves."

The most significant detail in the report will force clubs to provide "adequate supplies" of cold drinking water, which will reduce the threat of ecstasy users over heating.

Also in Scotland this week, Scottish drugs minister Dr Richard Simpson declared that as far as he's concerned the War on Drugs is now over.

'The only time you will hear me use terms such as 'War On Drugs' and 'Just Say
No' is to denigrate them," said Dr Simpson.

"I've never used the term 'teach children how to take drugs', but what I would say is that we need to provide them with information. We need to say 'we'd rather you didn't take ecstasy, but if you make that decision, here are the risks'." (The Sunday Herald, Scotland)

http://www.sundayherald.com
Tags

• ecstasy