Donegal members of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) have launched an anti-drugs awareness campaign in partnership with An Garda Síochána to keep local pubs drugs-free.
The new campaign will see posters appearing in all VFI pubs in the county alerting the public to the use of illegal drugs. The poster provides a Garda phone number to call if customers see any suspicious behaviour.
(Photo: Members of the Donegal VFI at the launch of the anti-drugs awareness campaign in association with An Garda Síochána. Included were, (back row from left), Paddy Logue, Dan Loughery, Michael Sharkey, Liam Loughery, Victor Wilkin, Frank Duff, Neil Mc Gowan, Jackie Sharkey Martin Gibbons Chairman of Donegal Branch of VFI.and Van Hanley. Front from left, Martin Barrett, Secretary VFI Garda Detective Inspector Pat OÕDonnell, Pauric Mc Gan National President of VFI Galway, and Alice Lynch National Executive of VFI. Photo Brian McDaid)
According to VFI Donegal Chairman Martin Gibbons, the consumption of illegal drugs is an ongoing problem.
He says: “We want our pubs to be as safe and welcoming as possible for our customers but unfortunately we have a significant issue with people using illegal drugs. The new campaign is designed to inform customers that we have a zero-tolerance policy towards drug taking in our pubs and if they spot any suspicious activity they should phone the number on the poster.
Martin Gibbons added: “This Garda campaign has the full support of publicans and we’re delighted to be facilitating the posters in our pubs. Donegal pubs are famous for their hospitality and we want to ensure that continues to be the case. The message this campaign sends out is clear – there is no welcome for drug taking in our pubs.”
The Garda confidential phone number is: 087 067 5529
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