Cocaine used in 95% of clubs in London borough

Council officials in Kensington & Chelsea found more than 95 per cent of bars and clubs they tested showed cocaine had been used on their premises.

In May the council and a police team began testing all pubs, bars and clubs in the borough. Initial findings show 38 of the 41 premises tested had traces of cocaine in lavatory cubicles and could have their licence revoked. Three tested negative.

The tests produced positive results on lavatory seats, rims and cisterns. The testing involves using chemical wipes on surfaces which turn blue when they in contact with cocaine. The tissues detect traces not visible to the naked eye.

The unprecedented exercise by Kensington & Chelsea council found that only premises that had taken extreme measures to get rid of flat surfaces in lavatories were free of the drug. Now dozens of licensed premises in one of London's most affluent areas face having their licences revoked. Licensing officers are warning bar, pub and club managers that they need to work harder to reduce cocaine use. More face testing this summer.

Officials believe most licence holders are unaware of the scale of drug taking. Premises that tested positive for cocaine have been given advice on how to reduce drug use, including smearing Vaseline on flat surfaces, and will be revisited and retested. If officers still find traces of cocaine, and the licensee has made no effort to minimise or prevent drug use, then the police may apply to the licensing committee to review the licence.