A COUNCIL is issuing an open invitation to those involved in the public entertainment trade to discuss the problem of drugs.

In the latest edition of its bi-annual report on the world of pubs and clubs, Sunderland City Council invites local licensees and holders of public entertainment licenses to attend a drugs awareness forum, being organised by the police.

Iain Cavanagh, the council's licensing and enforcement officer, said: "It's an opportunity for people to get together and discuss whatever problems they might have with drugs being illegally circulated on their premises.

"Officers from the drugs squad will be providing help and advice such as identifying the kind of narcotics involved and identifying the symptoms and effects on users.

"A forum like this will help get everyone together to discuss with police what measures can be taken to tackle the problem."

Also included in the report is a briefing on a new entertainment system known as Kwizoke - a computer programme and synthesiser for would-be stage stars, and a report on a test case in Southwark, London, where a judge ruled the system did not require a public entertainments licence.

A date for the forum has yet to be fixed. The licensing team can be reached on 0191-553 1139