THE Arches closure will not recreational reduce drug use according to an MSP.

Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow will use a debate in the Scottish Parliament to speak out against the decision which led to the arts venue and club closing this month.

He has praised the Arches for its social responsibility and said the closure will have implications for other venues in how they report drug use to police.

Me Harvie said:"It would be absurd to imagine that recreational drug use will be reduced because of this decision, or that public safety will be helped in any way.

"All that will happen is that people will switch to other, perhaps less experienced and less responsible, venues.

"Many venues will think twice in future before they report problems resulting from drug use to the police. This attitude to licensing is compounding the failures of this country's drug laws."

During a debate on the Air Weapons and Licensing Bill he will seek an amendment that "promoting social and cultural life" will be added to Licensing objectives.

He wants the impacts of decisions of the whole area of the licensing board to be considered when licences are up for review.

Mr Harvie added: ""Sadly this chance to change the law comes too late for The Arches itself. There have been warm words from the Scottish Government following the closure but we need much more than that. The Licensing Bill presents an opportunity to at least begin a debate about how we take account of the bigger picture, of cultural and social values, when reaching such decisions."