As the city begins to get ready for its major party season, Lothian and Borders Police are reassuring parents stringent measures are in place to keep kids safe at under-18 club nights.

‘ClubZone +’ was established in April 2004 and  is a partnership initiative bringing together clubs, promoters, Edinburgh Licensing Standards Initiative, Central Neighbourhood Policing Area, 6VT Youth Café (Edinburgh City Youth Café), Lothian and Borders Police A Division Safer Communities, Lothian Buses, First Buses and the City of Edinburgh Council Community Safety Partnership.

All nightclubs and promoters in the city centre holding under-18s nights have signed up to it, although most of the young people attending are only out for a good time; it is only a small minority who may end up being dealt with by police officers or youth workers.

On the night of the event, a dedicated group of police officers will patrol the area for anti-social behaviour and drinking on the street, as well as checking on the personal safety of the young people attending.

The officers work closely with 6VT youth workers, who monitor activity in and outside the clubs, and breathalyse every person going in. There is a zero tolerance policy on alcohol or drunkenness at the events, and the young people attending know they will not be allowed in if they have been drinking. When the night is over, the police officers and 6VT youth workers make sure the youngsters disperse safely, aiming to minimise the risk of anti-social behaviour disrupting the surrounding areas.

If there are a number of under-18 nights on at a variety of locations, the police Public Transport Liaison Officer will organise bus checks on all the main arterial routes in the city to detect any anti-social behaviour, drinking, drugs and offensive weapons among people travelling to events.

Supt Mark Williams from Lothian and Borders Police said: “Clubzone + is a really successful partnership initiative that puts the safety of young people first and also takes into account the local impact of the discos.

“The Council and other key partners have invested financially, and with time and energy, to make sure young people in Edinburgh can enjoy themselves in a safe and supportive environment.”

Fiona Horne from 6VT said: “This initiative is an excellent example of partnership working between voluntary, statutory sectors and commercial venues throughout the city.

“With this consistent approach city wide, young people attending these events and their parents get a clear message about what behaviour is acceptable and also what to expect from a club when attending an under-18s event in the city in terms of safety and procedures.

“The ClubZone initiative monitors clubs to ensure they adhere to good and safe practice whilst running under-18 events. Overall young clubbers demonstrate a high standard of safe behaviour whilst attending discos like City nightclub, where at the past few events, none of the 1200 young people attending failed the alcohol breath tests or searches on entry.

“The safety of young people in and around the clubs, remain at all times at the forefront of this service.”

Councillor Paul Edie, Community Safety Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership, said: “ClubZone + has been a great success over the years, not only in reducing the number of antisocial behaviour complaints but also in changing young people’s attitudes to alcohol. We are pleased to be involved in a partnership which helps young people to enjoy themselves safely and responsibly.”