Nightspots in Oxford today joined forces with city police in a campaign to ban drug users from licensed premises.

Eight top venues have signed up for the Safer Clubs Initiative, a scheme which could see anyone caught in possession of drugs facing a minimum six-month ban from the clubs.

Police and licensees launched the initiative today at the Zodiac Nightclub in Cowley Road.

Insp Judith Johnson, of Oxford police, said: "The Safer Clubs Initiative is a team effort between licensees and police to keep drugs out of pubs and clubs.

"The aim is to enforce a stricter drugs policy and to educate people into the dangers of taking drugs."

Trained door staff will carry out random searches on people entering their premises. If small quantities of drugs for personal use are found, they will be seized - and the person caught will get an automatic ban from all the nightclubs and pubs taking part in the scheme.

If the quantity of drugs found suggests the person is dealing, the drugs will be seized and the police called.

If weapons are found they will also be removed.

Scott Quinn, assistant manager of the Park End Club in Park End Street, said: "This is an excellent idea. There is strength in numbers and if the venues all communicate with each other we can make our premises safer for our customers."

Venues so far involved are: Downtown Manhattan, 5th Avenue, the Park End Club, The Old Fire Station, O.X.One, The Zodiac Club, Oxford Brookes University Students' Union and Yates's Wine Lodge. Others are being encouraged to join.

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