History of Release: 1980s

1980

Continuing increase in the use of heroin linked to its availability and falling price prompts major public concern. Release produces a further report on escalation of police use of stop search powers and warns of dangers to civil rights and community relations. Legalize Cannabis Campaign and NORML (USA) organise First International Cannabis Legislation Conference at Cosmos Club in Amsterdam.

1981

Zero tolerance policing and intensive use of stop and search powers in relation to drugs in Bristol, Brixton and Toxteth leads to the biggest civil unrest in mainland Britain this century. Peace camps established at Greenham Molesworth and other US bases. Release presence at free festivals is high, assisting clients facing public order offences. Howard marks found "not guilty" of importing 15 tons of cannabis into Scotland.

1982

Release highlights increase in calls about availability of Turkish and Iranian heroin following dramatic fall in price and opening up of new trafficking routes. New guide to tranquilizers published in response to dramatic increase in calls about dependency problems linked to prescribing drugs. Guide generates massive response. Release Woman's department is active in abortion law advice and referrals. Local Government Act introduces licensing for public outdoor music events. "Peace Convoy" moves from Stonehenge Festival to Greenham Common.

1983

Heroin and tranquilliser calls dominate Release's counselling work and assistance given to establishment of tranquilliser self-help group. Legal work increasingly focuses on public order and serious drug offences.

1984

Police and Criminal Evidence Act passed allowing police access, in certain circumstances, to information maintained by third parties. Last Stonehenge Festival. Miners' Strike starts.

1985

Release's collective structure implodes amid acrimony and trustees' concern over need for clear service direction. New Statesman reports the atmosphere at Release "tenser than a hail of bullets". New structure put in place with emphasis on professionalism and core strengths, particularly legal and welfare related drugs advice.
Emergency legal advice and assistance provided to travellers and festival goers after police make 535 arrests and destroy travellers' homes whilst stopping the Stonehenge free festival at the 'Battle of Beanfield'.

1986

Drug Trafficking Offences Act comes into force, increasing powers to confiscate assets and "paraphernalia".
Government makes concessions on legality of needle exchanges following lobby of Home Office Minister David Mellor.
Concern grows about AIDS risk to injecting drug users. Olivia Channon supply case sets new sentencing tariff for drug supply cases. Boy George charged with possession based on his own admission. Public Order Act introduces new range of offences including increased powers to move on travellers and squatters.

1987

Release relocates to Commercial Road in Shoreditch. Increase in calls reported from pregnant drug users following the Berkshire heroin baby case in which a child taken into care because addicted mother allegedly "mistreated baby in womb". Prosecution drops all charges against 537 people arrested during 'Battle of the Beanfield'.

1988

Three-year grant awarded to Release by Department of Health to develop professional drug related training programmes. Considerable work is done around HIV and legal problems. Ecstasy calls recorded separately for the first time and comprise 7% of total drug calls over the year as Release publish the first ecstasy fact sheet.
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs calls for more flexible and responsive services to meet the treatment needs of AIDS and HIV positive clients.

1989

Wall comes down on communism in Eastern Europe. Release reports that USA and Australian phenomenon of cane toad licking may lead to illicit trade in toad importation. Public Order powers prohibiting 'processions' first used at Stonehenge. Maximum fine for unlicensed entertainment increased to £20,000. Purity of cocaine increases while price drops.

1960s - 1970s - 1980s - 1990s - 2000s

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