|  | Milton Keynes' bars and clubs are set to be safer places from now on. With Christmas parties and office dos happening all over the country at this time of the year, this campaign, funded by Milton Keynes Council and the Drug Action Team, draws the attention to staying safe while still having fun.  | | Drug dog Yogi finds his target at the launch |
To ensure this is the case, Milton Keynes Police have teamed up with local licensees and Barwatch for a campaign stretching from one end of Milton Keynes to the other. At the launch, drug dogs Jock and Yogi - who for security purposes were working under pseudonyms - showed their cunning skills finding concealed plastic bags containing drugs. Jock and Yogi are only two of the many sniffer dogs, who will pay Milton Keynes' many bars and clubs a visit from now on. Working with Drugs Intelligence units their visits will be unannounced and undertaken randomly. The campaign's approach is to provide realistic and sound advice without taking the fun out of a night on the tiles and is supported by posters, leaflets and beer mats all of which contain the 10 recommendations for a great night out. TEN TIPS FOR A SAFE NIGHT OUT IN MILTON KEYNES (OR ANYWHERE FOR THAT MATTER!) 1. Don't leave your drinks unattended - anything can be slipped into an unattended glass - don't let it be yours.
2. If you are driving, don't drink or take drugs. Penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving. Is it worth the risk?
3. If you are going to take drugs, be sure of what it is you are taking, and don't mix your drugs. Alcohol and drugs do not go well together.
4. If you and your friends are going out drinking or taking drugs, ensure that someone remains straight, in case of emergencies.
5. If you are clubbing and using drugs, remember to drink plenty of non alcoholic liquids, and give yourself regular chill out times.
6. Not everyone is the same. Your body's reaction to drink and drugs will not necessarily be the same reaction that your mate experiences.
7. Stay with friends throughout the evening. Don't wander around on your own under the influence, and make sure your mates know where you are.
8. If you feel unwell, try and inform a member of staff, and don't be afraid to tell them what you have taken. It could save your life.
9. Drug dogs are operating in Milton Keynes. Possession of illegal substances is a criminal offence.
10. Get home safely! If you are on your own, ensure that you use a properly marked taxi. Don't accept a lift from someone you do not know. 
| helen, Bedford | Wednesday, 22-Jun-2005 12:33:04 BST | | | It's a good story and a good idea, but you shoudn't be encouaging drugs in the first place, they don't do nuffin for you apart from make you get high for a bit and then start to affect your health. I think them 10tips are encouraging people too take drugs stupid bumba clort who wrote them tips! |
| TANIA JAMES, MILTON KEYNES | Thursday, 17-Mar-2005 11:00:24 GMT | | | I TOTALLY AGREE WITH CHRIS (MUM)MILTON KEYNES .NOW LETS SEE IF SOMETHING MORE CAN BE DONE ABOUT PEOPLE BEHAVING VIOLENTLY IN AND OUTSIDE THESE BARS AND CLUBS. |
| Donna, Wolverhampton | Friday, 14-Nov-2003 21:33:48 GMT | | | I think that random drugs tests are a great idea and should be carried out more often in towns and cities throughout the country. Drugs and Drink are too easily accessable to young people now days and this should be brought to an end to discourage the next generation. |
| Piers, Oxford & MK | Wednesday, 12-May-2004 14:00:33 BST | | | Lets face it, who would want to take drugs when going to any of the awfull bars or the comercial money making exercise known as oceana? Looking back on my 11 month expierence of the city i never saw any one on drugs, drunk lads on alcopops and larger but not drugs! This is obviously a waste of time and money, on a problem that was never there in the first place! It seems to me that the council want to keep this new clean city utopia vibe, when realy, lets face it, the city is just a shopping center with a lot of housing. Why not build a lot more idepent shops and bars then that will lead to independant thought and this will cutt down the "go out, get drunk & start a fight" mentality of most of the city's 18 - 30 yr old residents! |
| Andy, Bedford | Thursday, 11-Dec-2003 16:36:49 GMT | | | Is it me or is there absolutly no 'music' in this area. Is it all idiot-commercial-dance-drink-o-thons or is there any decent local rock venues down here? Is music dead? |
| chris (mum), milton keynes | Tuesday, 02-Dec-2003 23:44:07 GMT | | | I think this is a brilliant idea,glad that you are being so responsible in the bars,and clubs.Makes mums and dads feel a bit better. |
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