UK's first drugs consumption room to open in October

The UK's first official consumption room for illegal drugs including heroin and cocaine will open in Glasgow on 21 October.The Safer Drugs Consumption Facility on Hunter Street in the city's east end will accommodate up to 30 service users at a time.People will be able to consume illegal drugs under the supervision of clinical staff at the facility 365 days a year from 09:00 until 21:00.The opening date was confirmed as new data from the National Records of Scotland revealed that the number of people who have died due to drug misuse in the country has risen sharply.Figures for 2023 revealed that 1,172 people died - up 121 on the previous 12 months, which represents a 12% increase.Allan Casey, Glasgow City Council's convener for homelessness and addiction services, said the rise makes clear "we are in a public health emergency and one that requires radical action".