Staff from more than 70 pubs, night-clubs and hotels were the first hospitality workers to take part in a new drugs awareness training programme that began in Dublin today.
The course is specifically aimed at licensed premises and provides training on how to identify and deal with drug misuse.
It also deals with the legal implications surrounding drug use on a premises and provides first-aid training in the case of an overdose.
The training is supported by a wide range of groups including the Irish Nightclubs Association, the Vintners' Federation, the Licensed Vintners' Association, the Irish Hotels' Federation and the Garda National Drugs Unit, as well as local drugs task forces.
The industry is funding the pilot programme but it hopes to receive public funding as it expands.
The training programme will be introduced in Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny and Cork in the coming weeks and will eventually cover the entire State.
Barry O'Sullivan, chief executive of the Irish Night-Clubs Industry said night-clubs had legal responsibilities for their staff and customers.
"With this initiative we are trying to keep them informed on how best to provide a safe and drug-free environment for socialising."