Pub security stepped up to deter drug users (From Gazette & Herald)

Pub security stepped up to deter drug users

SECURITY has been radically beefed up at a Ryedale market town pub, to deter drug users.

The Gate, in Yorkersgate, Malton, will become the first pub in Ryedale to install "blue lights" in its toilets - a measure that makes it almost impossible for drug addicts to see a vein, so they can't 'shoot up'.

Pub bosses are also enforcing a random bag and body search by door staff specially trained in drug awareness. Door supervisor numbers have also been increased so female punters can be searched.

Thousands of pounds will also be spent on installing a CCTV system.

Safety measures were stepped up by business partners Shaun Veysey and Terry Crisp, and licensee Linsey Veysey, who is Shaun's wife, after an incident on May 27.

"Somebody came in who was taking heroin. He was ready to inject again and went into our toilets and injected," said Mr Crisp, an accountant.

Eagle-eyed bar staff noticed the man was under the influence of drugs and ejected him from the premises. He then collapsed in the street.

A spokeswoman for Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service said paramedics treated a man, who was in his 30s and unconscious outside the pub, at 11.48pm that day. He was taken to York Hospital.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the man was discharged from hospital the following day.

Mr Veysey said it was an unfortunate that the addict had picked his pub to inject drugs.

"It's just one of those things; he could've done it anywhere. We've done nothing to promote it, and everything to dissuade it," said Mr Veysey.

Mr Crisp said: "I think it's indicative of the whole social scene. Thinking back to Malton ten years ago, there wasn't any apparent drug scene, but I think there is now."

In October, The Gate will have a dramatic £150,000 revamp to turn it into a caf bar during the day and maintain its lively, fun pub status at night. "We are spending a considerable amount of money to make it the best pub and the safest pub in Malton," said Mr Veysey.

Updated: 15:17 Wednesday, June 15, 2005