A group of Scottish nightclubs joined forces yesterday to launch a zero tolerance scheme aimed at combating drugs, violence and antisocial behaviour.
Twenty-one clubs in Edinburgh have formed a partnership called Unight to ensure customers and staff can enjoy the city's nightlife in safety.
Under the initiative, anyone breaching the toughened policy will be banned from all participating clubs for at least three months. Troublemakers will be sent a letter telling them of the ban, and criminal offences such as drug possession will be "robustly dealt with" by Lothian and Borders Police, who are supporting the project.
Clubs involved will also share information, distributing CCTV footage of offenders out all premises.
Bill McGregor, general manager of Lava & Ignite, said: "We want our nightclubs to be safe and enjoyable places but an acceptable standard of public behaviour is a requirement from all customers."
Superintendent Ronnie Liddle, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "I am delighted that the licensees are taking responsibility for Unight and I'm sure it will bring benefits to the way we police the city centre at night.
Clubs taking part are Lava & Ignite, Base, Cabaret Voltaire, City Night Club, Club Ego, Faith, Mood, Opal Lounge, Opium, Siglo, Stereo, Studio 24, Subway-West End, Lulu (Tigerlily), The Liquid Room, Why Not (Dome), Club Massa, The Bongo Club, The Hive, Shanghai, and Espionage.
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