Student culture expose: Drugs in clubland

Heading into the toilet cubicle of a popular Manchester club, I noticed that the worn and ironically smoke stained 'No smoking' signs which used to be on the back of the doors have had a revamp.

They now read: 'This establishment has a zero tolerance drugs policy'.

Rather like an annoying noise which you don't notice until someone points it out, now I've seen one sign, I've noticed them everywhere.

It seems that Manchester's club scene is eager to show their disapproval for illegal happenings.

Obviously, nowhere would actually condone such behaviour. At least that's the official party line.

The reality is much different. Club promoters are not stupid, they know the trends in partying and they've researched their clientèle.

If you want to make money, you have to accommodate your customers' needs and that's exactly what successful clubs do.

And the fact of the matter is that drugs have become embedded in entertainment and more and more young people are using chemicals at the weekend instead of knocking back a pint.

So how have clubs accommodated this?

The short answer is by gearing the atmosphere of the venue entirely towards drug-taking.

Take for example, the Warehouse Project in Manchester.

While they have an explicit anti-drugs policy, complete with bag checks and sniffer dogs, it's a ridiculously expensive evening if you're just drinking - a vodka redbull will set you back £6.20.

For the cash strapped student, the temptation to save a fortune by taking a £2 ecstasy tablet instead is obvious.

Or consider the well loved Glasshouse night and Club Mission in Leeds.

Both venues open 'til the wee hours at the weekend, often closing at 9am.

Even the hardcore drinkers or ProPlus fiends head off at around 5am, meaning that club owners must have a good reason for staying open so late: namely, the drug taking ravers still dancing the night away.

Staff in some clubs even go beyond turning a blind eye and actively encourage drug use. 12»