Dari Taylor MP will join licensees from across the area to back a scheme which makes clubbing safer for the users of drugs such as ecstasy.

The Management of Unlawful Substances in Clubs and Pubs (Music) scheme has been running on Teesside for a number of years.

A conference to review the initiative is a response to the reality that enforcement and education are not enough to stop young people on from taking drugs.

I have never been a supporter of decriminalising nor using drugs, but I have to get real about this

Dari Taylor, MP

But Drugs Awareness Inspector for Cleveland Police, Kath Barber, said it was important to stress the police were not "going soft" on drugs.

Ms Barber told BBC Radio Cleveland: "It is about making sure that young people are probably informed and educated and that if they do decide to take drugs, it is done safely.

"It is not about going soft on drugs, we are just accepting that some people have taken drugs or will take drugs and make sure it is done safely.

"Some of the things that can be put into place to make it safer is having areas where the music tempo is quieter, where it is more subdued, where there is air conditioning and free water so people can calm down after hectic dancing."

Safe environments

The Music initiative was nominated for a crime prevention award in 1999 and used as an example in a recent Home Office guide.

The idea follows on from the government's Safer Clubbing Guide, which encourages licensees to provide free water, ensure proper ventilation in premises and prevent overcrowding.

Ms Taylor, MP for Stockton South, told BBC Radio Cleveland said it was not about encouraging drug use.

"I have never been a supporter of decriminalising nor using drugs, but I have to get real about this.

"Virtually over 80% of 16-24 year-olds are taking recreational drugs.

"We have to get real about that fact and do everything we can to create a safe environment."