SIA Drug Awareness 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Amphetamine (speed) is classified as which class of drug in the UK?
- Class A
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class C
- It depends on the form
Correct answer: Class B
Amphetamine is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, if prepared for injection, it is treated as Class A. In its standard powder form, it remains Class B.
Question 2: Which of these is NOT a recognised sign of cannabis use?
- Bloodshot eyes
- Distinctive sweet herbal smell
- Aggressive and hyperactive behaviour (Correct answer)
- Giggling and increased appetite
Correct answer: Aggressive and hyperactive behaviour
Cannabis typically causes relaxation, bloodshot eyes, a distinctive smell, giggling, and increased appetite (the 'munchies'). Aggressive and hyperactive behaviour is not a typical sign of cannabis use, though reactions can vary.
Question 3: A patron collapses in the venue and friends say they took MDMA two hours ago. The person is hot to touch and fitting. What is the most likely medical emergency?
- Alcohol poisoning
- Hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome (Correct answer)
- Hypothermia
- An asthma attack
Correct answer: Hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome
MDMA can cause dangerous hyperthermia (overheating) and serotonin syndrome, leading to seizures, organ failure, and potentially death. The person needs immediate cooling and emergency medical attention by calling 999.
Question 4: What is the legal position of a door supervisor who knowingly allows drug dealing on the premises?
- They face no personal liability as they are not dealing
- They could be charged with permitting premises to be used for drug supply and lose their SIA licence (Correct answer)
- They are only liable if they profit from the dealing
- They face a verbal warning from the SIA
Correct answer: They could be charged with permitting premises to be used for drug supply and lose their SIA licence
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, knowingly allowing premises to be used for drug supply is a criminal offence. The door supervisor could face criminal charges and would almost certainly have their SIA licence revoked.
Question 5: Which of the following correctly describes the 'chain of evidence' when handling seized drugs?
- Drugs are placed in an envelope and given to the venue manager at the end of the shift
- Drugs are sealed in a tamper-evident bag, labelled with details, stored securely, and handed only to police with a signed record of transfer (Correct answer)
- Drugs are placed in the safe until the weekly police collection
- Drugs are flushed to prevent them being returned to the patron
Correct answer: Drugs are sealed in a tamper-evident bag, labelled with details, stored securely, and handed only to police with a signed record of transfer
Maintaining the chain of evidence requires drugs to be sealed in tamper-evident packaging, clearly labelled, stored securely with limited access, and transferred to police with a documented and signed handover record.
Question 6: What should a door supervisor do if they witness someone actively consuming drugs inside the venue?
- Immediately physically restrain them and confiscate the drugs
- Approach calmly, ask them to stop, request they hand over the substance, and arrange for their removal from the venue while notifying management and police (Correct answer)
- Wait until they finish and then ask them to leave
- Ignore it unless they become disruptive
Correct answer: Approach calmly, ask them to stop, request they hand over the substance, and arrange for their removal from the venue while notifying management and police
The door supervisor should approach calmly and professionally, request the person stop and hand over any substances, arrange safe removal from the venue, notify management, and contact the police. Physical intervention should only be used as a last resort and proportionally.
SIA Drug Awareness 4
Amphetamine (speed) is classified as which class of drug in the UK?