CLUB bosses in York today backed new Home Office guidelines designed to make a night out a safer experience for clubbers who use drugs.

The Government has published the guideline booklet, entitled Safer Clubbing, with the aim of reducing the number of people who fall ill or die after taking drugs in clubs.

Advice includes guidelines on how to ensure that, when drugs have been taken, the risks of falling ill are reduced.

Club owners have been encouraged to improve safety.

They have been warned they will not be granted licences unless they take steps to reduce drug deaths.

David Harrison, general manager at The Gallery, in Clifford Street, said: "We applaud the publication of Safer Clubbing.

"Our parent company, Luminar Leisure, has had its own published document and operational guide called Dance Safe since 2000.

"It covers all matters related to customer comfort, safety and dispersal, as well as first aid and subjects relating to potential illegal drugs problems."

Management at Toffs, in Toft Green, also gave their backing.

Staff at the club, which is also owned by Luminar Leisure, said the club and company have a policy of "disapproving of drug misuse and its associated culture".

"We make no concessions which will encourage customers who want to use our premises for such purposes," said general manager Paul Mayo.

"While we offer care and assistance to any customer in trouble, any person in possession of drugs will be removed from the premises.

"It is company policy to have any person who tries to sell drugs reported to, and arrested by, the police.

"These are company policies and operate not only at Toffs but sister nightclubs The Gallery and Ikon/Diva." No one from Ziggy's Nightclub, in Micklegate, was available for comment.

The guidelines are seen as significant because they show the Government recognises that drugs, such as ecstasy and amphetamine, are often part of a clubber's night out.

But the move has been slammed by some drugs campaigners, who say the Government is condoning drug use.

Updated: 10:02 Saturday, March 09, 2002