DRUG checking and testing in city centres could help reduce Scotland’s appalling drug death toll, it has been claimed.
Trying to prevent the use of drugs is one of the issues the beleaguered nighttime industry is dealing with, after the tragic deaths of a number of young people using uncontrolled substances on nights out.
And while the latest figures show that the number of drug misuse deaths in Scotland has fallen to 1017 in 2024, the total is still the highest in Europe.
A manifesto drawn up by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) Scotland is now calling for six priority actions, including the appointment of a dedicated Minister for the Night Time Economy to champion the industry at the highest level of government, as well as initiatives to enhance transport, safety, inclusion and late-night services.
These include the provision of drug checking services – carefully managed, harm-reduction-focused initiatives designed to improve safety and public health in city centres, according to Jenn Nimmo-Smith, NTIA’s night time economy ambassador for Glasgow.
“The idea is to provide accurate information about substances in circulation, reduce risks and signpost people to support services,” she said.
“Ideally, a trusted partner like The Loop, who have significant experience running these services in other UK cities such as Bristol, would be involved. We’d want to bring them and other expert providers into conversations with Scottish Government and local authorities in the coming months.”
The move comes as ketamine use among young people is rapidly increasing in the UK, surging beyond its origins in raves and festival culture to become a widespread recreational drug across the country.
A low price and easy access make it appealing, with many wrongly believing it is less harmful than other substances.
Its increase in use is one of the reasons Katy Porter of The Loop believes drug checking and testing is so important. The charity already has a Home Office licence to operate a drug checking service in Bristol and has seen how it can help reduce risk.
“We as an organisation will always take the approach that the safest position to take around drugs is not to take them at all – but we know from the number of substances that come to us that there continues to be significant use of drugs, including ketamine,” she said.
In the past 12 months, The Loop has tested more than 2000 different substances.
She added: “We need to look at different responses and have open dialogue about people’s concerns, including if it is felt that our services legitimise drug use.”
The drug checking service has a lab where substances surrendered by members of the public can be quickly analysed to see what they contain.
Those who use it could be planning to try drugs for the first time, occasional users or heavily dependent on drugs. The drugs they surrender for testing are not given back.
Instead, they may be informed about the substances, how they could affect them and how to reduce risk if used. They may also be given information about other services in case they are required.
Drug policy is not devolved and drug checking facilities in all parts of the UK need a Home Office licence and the co-operation of the police and health providers in the area.
“All partners need to be on board with this service, so it is not without its complexities in terms of setting up and delivering it, but it encourages people to come forward and have a non-judgmental conversation about their individual drug use and that is the important aspect,” said Porter.
“Our primary aim is to ensure we reduce drug-related harm and we often reach people who have not previously come forward to get support.”
Porter said that while testing is not a “magic element” which would ensure an event could run safely and without drug-related incidents, it could be part of the toolkit in taking harm reduction measures.
“We would never say that our testing makes drug taking safe but we give current and accurate information which enables people to make a choice,” she said.
“If they do still decide to take a substance then they are equipped with information which will help them understand the risks and take steps to potentially reduce the harms.
“By giving people accurate information we can potentially support safer and more vibrant venues and nightlife within a city.
“Scotland has the highest number of drug-related deaths in Europe so we really welcome the NTIA having this in their manifesto.”
The manifesto also calls for late-night transport reform, a national street ambassador initiative and inclusion frameworks to ensure the nighttime economy is accessible and welcoming for women,
LGBTQ+ communities, neurodiverse individuals and older residents.
It challenges government and councils to think holistically and view the nighttime economy not as a nuisance to be regulated, but as a cornerstone of community life, youth employment, mental health, sustainable development and Scotland’s international reputation.
They point out that Scotland’s nighttime economy is a critical national asset – economically, culturally and socially but is on the brink of collapse.
Encompassing hospitality, live music, clubs, cultural venues, bars and late-night transport, the sector generates £43.5 billion in GVA for the UK and supports more than 137,000 Scottish jobs.
However, one pub is set to close every single day in 2025 across the UK, according to latest
figures from the British Beer and Pub
Association (BBPA).
The industry body, which represents more than 20,000 pubs, estimated that 378 pubs will close this year across England, Wales, and Scotland, which would amount to more than 5600 direct job losses.
In the hospitality sector as a whole, there have been 89,000 job losses in the last year – more than half of
all job losses in the UK since last October.
Increases to the minimum wage for workers, National Insurance contributions and business rates payments have contributed to
the crisis, according to trade body
UKHospitality.
“Our sector is the largest employer of under 30s in the UK, 70% of our venues are owned or operated by independent small businesses and businesses in our sector typically pay £10 in tax for every £1 they make in profit. All of this however is at risk without urgent action to revitalise nightlife and regenerate our towns and cities,” said NTIA Scotland vice-chair Gavin Stevenson.
Added Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA UK: “Across the world, cities are embracing nightlife as a key component of economic resilience and cultural diplomacy. Scotland must not be
left behind.
“The Northern Lights manifesto offers a forward-thinking, detailed and locally adaptable plan for national recovery. It is not just a wish list,
it’s a working document for a
sustainable future.”
