A NIGHTCLUB is to introduce cocaine swabs to deter people from taking drugs in its toilets.

Chicago Rock Cafe, in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, is believed to be the first in the region to take the proactive measure.

The cocaine swabs are small pieces of pink paper that, when wiped across a surface, will turn blue if traces of cocaine are present.

Martyn Williams, the club's senior assistant manager, will oversee this initiative.

He said: "It will be used by doorstaff or management and is just common sense.

"It is like a piece of tissue, about the size of a credit card, and you use it on a surface where cocaine might have been taken, such as a sink or a toilet seat.

"If it is clear, we throw it away - if it goes blue, we keep it as evidence."

Mr Williams added: "We are proud to say we have an impeccable record of drug-related incidents, which stems from our zero tolerance message in respect of drugs, and that is something we've concentrated on for years.

"The introduction of the cocaine swabs will enforce this message."

Mr Williams hopes the move will encourage other venues in the North-East to follow their example.

He said: "I hope other licensed venues will adopt similar stances towards illegal substances and I am happy to help and advise in any way I can."

The club's management is working with Durham Police and Crackdown Drug Detection Services to trial the drug testing kit and promote a message of zero tolerance towards recreational drug users.

Crackdown Drug Testing Services was formed in 1993 and has trained police, prisons and customs officers with drug detection and testing kits.

Sergeant Tim Robson, of Durham Police's licensing unit, said: "It is always pleasing to see managers and staff seeking methods to eradicate drug misuse from their premises.

"The swabs are an excellent indicator to the staff that controlled drugs are being misused in that location and it allows for action to be taken to deal with the issue.

"All persons working in venues must adopt a zero tolerance policy in respect of drugs and the swabs are very useful as another means of identifying and dealing with controlled substances."

Chicago Rock Cafe also offers its customers free "spikeys", gadgets that prevent bottled drinks from being tampered with.