An organisation which runs annual onsite drug testing at music festivals has been granted charity status. The Loop has become the UK’s first Home Office licensed drug-checking service and is set to open a drug testing site in Bristol in January, the BBC reports.
The not-for-profit organisation was “delighted” that The Charity Commission undertook a comprehensive legal review of its activities and determined drug checking as a legal and charitable activity in the UK. Newly appointed CEO Katy Porter said: “It is an amazing time to join The Loop; all the continued energy and commitment of so many over the past 10 years has enabled us to get to this next stage in our development.
“The recognition and registration as a Charity will mean that our health services and the important information we generate through drug checking will now reach more people in more places across the UK, and greatly assist in reducing drug-related harm. I am excited by the opportunity to lead such an innovative and important organisation as The Loop.”
