The summer ends with the implementation of drug testing at Barcelona nightclubs.
At the end of this summer, random drug tests were implemented at the entrance of nightclubs in Barcelona, specifically at: Pacha, Shoko, Carpe Diem, Agua, Icebar, Bestial, Opium, Otto, Papillon Club, and Up & Down. These tests use a spray and wipes applied to the hands or other areas, such as clothing, that may have been in contact with drugs. The checks are similar to those carried out at airport customs. It should be noted that detecting these substances is difficult if customers carry them hidden in non-visible places such as underwear.
This is not the only security measure implemented by nightlife venues like those mentioned. Now, in many of them, customers can also access breathalyzers, for a fee, to see if they exceed the legal driving limit. Additionally, protocols for sexual harassment cases and cardiac resuscitation devices have been introduced.
The case of Up & Down
The aforementioned controls are the result of a raid carried out in 2016 at the Up & Down nightclub. During the raid, drugs were found on eight people. The Barcelona nightclub was on the verge of being closed for six months. It was also accused of being permissive regarding the entry of drugs into the premises.
These Barcelona nightclubs are part of the Catalan Federation of Restaurant and Musical Activities (Fecasarm). With these controls, they aim to demonstrate that they are doing everything possible to prevent drugs from entering their venues. In this way, they seek to avoid cases like that of the Up & Down club.
Therefore, customers wishing to access the venues cannot refuse to undergo these checks. Otherwise, they will be denied entry, just as they would be if they test positive for harmful substances.
