Drug sales are widespread in Stockholm’s pub environment. A study conducted by STAD shows that people under the influence of drugs are often admitted to pubs. An investment in the training of pub staff should make it harder to get high in the pub.
Observers in a study carried out by STAD (Stockholm prevents alcohol and drug problems) observed in several cases very intrusive drug sales in a pub environment. The fact that offers to buy narcotics take place so openly in the pub environment – and that guests are offered to buy narcotics – has not been observed in the studies that STAD has previously carried out.
– There is a strong connection between the trade in and use of narcotics and the explosions and shootings carried out by criminal networks. A high demand for narcotics provides a market and thus fuel for gang violence, says Erik Widstrand, acting deputy regional police chief in Stockholm.
STAD has carried out the study with the help of actors who have acted under the influence of drugs. The actors made 137 attempts to enter various pubs in Stockholm. In 43 percent of the cases, they were admitted despite clear signs of drug addiction. According to the Alcohol Act, guests under the influence of drugs may not stay in pubs.
– The study confirms the picture that there is a need to continue training restaurant staff about signs of drug addiction. Which is a big part of the Krogar v Nark working method, says Johanna Gripenberg, manager and researcher at STAD.
Heavy intoxication has a strong connection to violent crime and other criminality, and guests under the influence of drugs create an unsafe environment for both restaurant staff and other guests.
– It is gratifying that we are over 100 bars, nightclubs, hotels and more that are members of the working method Pubs against drugs to stop drugs in the pub environment together, says Jennica Jonsson, chair of Visita Stockholm and Gotland.
The pub environment should not be a trading place for drugs. It is a context where there are many young people who are at risk of coming into contact with drugs.
– The study confirms that we need to do more to reduce the presence of drugs in the pub environment. No one can do this alone, we must act together against the drug. The commitment of the restaurant industry is crucial to success, says Alexander Ojanne (S), social and security councilor in the city of Stockholm.
Film and fact sheet
The decision is yours
Drug sales, along with fraud, are by far the biggest source of income for the gangs. Those who use drugs thus enable the gangs to survive.
FILM: The decision is yours
The actor study
In the spring of 2023, STAD (STockholm förbyggar Alkohol- och Drogproblem) conducted a study in which actors act heavily influenced by drugs in the pub environment to see how the staff at the pubs acted.
About the acting study
Facts about Krogar vs Nark
The “Taverns against Drugs” method is a drug prevention and proven method. It was drawn up in 2001 after pressure from the pub industry and the Police, who saw the increasingly growing drug problem in the pub industry. The purpose of the method is to reduce the occurrence and use of drugs in the pub environment. Krogar v Nark consists of several components; cooperation, training of restaurant staff, effective supervision and media/communication. The method has shown good results and has been implemented in many municipalities around the country.
Stockholm County Police
Published
24 April 2024 08.54
