PUB licensees in the Forest say local licensing authorities have gone too far by insisting they take a drugs awareness course before their licences are renewed.
"I think they have exceeded their powers," said Richard Dewe, who runs the popular Ostrich Inn in Newland, near Coleford.
"I am a publican, not a drugs enforcer. I know everyone is concerned about drugs but it isn't our job.
"Apart from anything else how do they expect busy publicans to find time to go on courses?"
Notices have been sent to licensees all over the county stating that the matter will be introduced in the coming series of annual meetings next month, formerly the Brewster Sessions, between the licensees and the magistrates.
The notice also says that from February 2001 licence holders will be expected to produce evidence that they have attended a drug awareness course.
"There is also a list of local courses and course providers," said Mr Dewe. He said that 'by inference' they were courses approved by the justices.
However a spokeswoman for Gloucestershire magistrates, Cheryl Benbow, said the magistrates were prepared to listen to what landlords had to say on the matter.
"We have encouraged publicans to comment on the issue and although the consultation period ended on January 14 we are still getting letters and will still accept views up to the last minute," she said. "Nothing is written in stone as yet."
She added that the measure had been taken because magistrates were very concerned about the growing availability of drugs and it was thought pub landlords had a role to play in fighting the menace.
But Mr Dewe said he found the tone of the magistrates' letter demanding if not threatening.
"It is the thin end of the wedge, getting us to be crime detectors."