"Aside from the fact that illicit drug taking is illegal; it is also important to highlight that no drug taking can be assumed to be safe – even when the substance has been tested. As such the Met believes that by supporting such testing we would be condoning the possession and use of controlled drugs. The concept of 'front-of-house' drug testing is new and as such has very limited academic evidence on the outcomes and effectiveness in terms of changing behaviour and reducing harm. We must also consider that the testing regime could be used as a quality assurance mechanism, assisting users and dealers to consume or promote pills and powders. Whilst we appreciate and support the harm reduction advice issued by drug workers, we cannot, at this time, support front-of-house drug testing for the reasons outlined above."
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For now, The Loop is working on other initiatives aimed at keeping users safe. Back of house testing involves analysing drugs obtained through amnesty bins and seizures by door staff. Alerts can then be issued via social media if any particularly dangerous substances are identified. The Loop has run a back of house service at the Warehouse Project in Manchester since 2013, and Measham says she is currently engaged in positive talks with the police and a number of large clubs about running a similar service in London.