Research indicates that over 15% of the South Australian population has used illicit drugs in the previous 12 months. Illicit drug use can occur in a range of settings including nightclubs, raves or dance parties, pubs, live music events and restaurants or cafes.

This information is designed to assist managers/organisers of venues and events in preventing and reducing the harm from illicit drug use. These events or venues may include licensed premises, dance parties and raves, unlicensed youth events (e.g. Schoolies Week) and large scale events (e.g. Big Day Out).

People use illicit drugs in various settings, with research indicating that people who regularly use specific drugs such as ecstasy and methamphetamine regularly use these drugs at nightclubs, pubs and live music events, including raves and dance parties. This is particularly concerning due to the increased health risks associated with using illicit substances with other drugs, including alcohol. These risks can increase depending on the type of drug that is used and the choices made by people using drugs. The location, set up and management of licensed premises can also increase risks. Although you cannot control the individual choices that people make there are ways that you can reduce the risks by ensuring a safe environment, and minimising the use of illicit drugs on licensed premises.

Risks associated with illicit drug use

Illicit drug use in and around venues and events can be associated with a number of health risks to customers and staff:

• violent and disruptive behaviour
• illegal activity including sale and use of drugs
• risk of using illicit substances with other drugs including alcohol
• risk of people being injured
• risk of overdose

Illicit drug use also presents a number of liability risks and legal issues for event promoters and licensees.

The licensee is obliged to comply with the Code of Practice (Liquor Licensing Act 1997 s42). Part 6 of the Code relates to intoxication, disorderly or offensive behaviour. The licensee must have in place practices relating to disturbances, and pursuant to the Code, the licensee must guard against the premises being used for the purposes of illicit drug dealing.

The licensee should be aware that as occupiers of premises they owe a duty of care to persons attending those premises and may expose themselves to civil liability if there is a breach of that duty and some loss or injury occurs to a third party.

 

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Factors within events or venues that increase the risks associated with illicit drug use

The benefits of preventing and managing illicit drug use at events and within premises

What licensees and event managers can do

Frequently Asked Questions

Support & Resources