Recreational drug users will have passports confiscated and face night club bans

18 July 2022, 08:01 | Updated: 18 July 2022, 08:03

Middle class "recreational drug users" face having passports and driving licences confiscated
Middle class "recreational drug users" face having passports and driving licences confiscated. Picture: Alamy

By Megan Hinton

Middle-class "recreational drug users" face having their passports and driving licences confiscated and being banned from nightclubs under new Government plans.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Home Secretary is set to announce the new plans on Monday in the bid to punish recreational users of cocaine and cannabis who refuse to give up their habit.

Announcing the plans in a White Paper today, Priti Patel said: "We are cracking down on drug use, with tougher consequences for so-called recreational drug users.

"They will face the consequences of their actions through sanctions including fines and conditions to attend rehabilitation courses, while drug offenders could have their passports and driving licences confiscated.

James O'Brien reacts to middle-class drugs use crackdown

"Drugs are a scourge across society. Drug misuse puts lives at risk, fuels criminality and serious and violent crime and also results in the grotesque exploitation of young, vulnerable people."

Under the plan, first-time offenders will be required to pay for and attend a drug awareness course similar to the £120 speed awareness programmes.

If first-time offenders do not attend a course, they must pay an increased Fixed Penalty Notice or face prosecution.

Read more: Meltdown Monday: Britain grinds to a halt as temperatures head to 41c on hottest ever day

Those found using drugs for a second time will be given a caution, sent on a further drug awareness course and could face a up to three months of mandatory random drug testing.

Offenders caught for a third time are likely to be convicted and as part of a civil court order, could be subject to an exclusion order banning them from a specific location like a nightclub.

Third-time offenders may also be given a drug tag monitoring their usage, and see their passports and driving licences confiscated.

Ministers say the plans are needed to combat the 4,600 drug-related deaths each year in the UK and the white paper will now be subject to a 10-week consultation.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Justin Welby

Justin Welby says he 'forgives' Church abuser - as ex-Synod member tells LBC he's 'famous for bad judgement'

The Spice Girls have not reunited all together since 2012

Spice Girls will reunite 'as one' for first time since 2012, Geri Halliwell says - as she reveals all 5 are in group chat

The military junta is said to be continuing its civil war bombing campaign

Myanmar regime 'continues civil war bombing campaign' despite devastating earthquake, with over 1,600 dead

Yvette Cooper has pledged to end 'jobs on tap' for illegal migrants

Ministers pledge to end 'jobs on tap' for illegal migrants with 'jail threats and unlimited fines' for rogue bosses

The Quaker meeting house was raided

Over 20 officers smash in Quaker meeting house door to arrest protesters plotting to 'shut down London'

Ministers and enforcement staff from 40 countries will meet in London on Monday and Tuesday next week to discuss international co-operation, supply routes, criminal finances and online adverts for dangerous journeys.

UK set to host representatives from 40 countries in first international summit on tackling people-smuggling gangs

Anti-government protesters hold photos of hostages held in the Gaza Strip during a demonstration demanding the release of all hostages and against Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government on March 29, 2025 in Tel Aviv.

Hamas agrees to release five living hostages in ceasefire proposal as Israeli attacks continue

Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has been called ‘a disgrace’ for using taxpayer money to pay for her pet cockapoo to live with her at her second home in London.

‘It’s a disgrace’ - Labour MP slammed for charging taxpayers £900 ‘pet rent’ for dog to live with her in London home

Ms Spielman said: “I absolutely did what I think was the right thing at a tremendously difficult time"

'An insult' - Ofsted chief at the time of headteacher Ruth Perry's suicide to be given peerage

The M25, one of the most popular roads in the country, has been closed in both directions overnight, between junctions 9 and 10.

Britain’s busiest motorway closed in both directions tonight - check your diverted route

The couple said they had previously been banned from entering Cowley Hill Primary School, in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

‘Massive overreach’ - Parents arrested for complaining about daughter’s school in WhatsApp group

A British man tackled a knifeman who went a stabbing spree in Amsterdam to the ground.

Police identify Ukrainian man, 30, as suspect of Amsterdam mass stabbing stopped by ‘hero’ British tourist

Jonathan Brash MP has called for the abolition of the Sentencing Council.

First Labour MP calls for abolition of 'two-tier' Sentencing Council as justice row erupts

Lidl has issued an urgent recall.

Urgent recall issued by supermarket chain over salmonella fears

Over 1,600 people have died in the earthquake in Myanmar

Myanmar earthquake death toll surges past 1,600 with more than 3,000 hurt as hundreds more trapped under rubble

A man has been charged with murder after police responded to an alleged fight between two drivers.

'Road rage fight at roundabout' leaves 'loving family man' dead, as driver charged with murder