Hospitality Ulster joins fight against drink spiking

LCN partner Hospitality Ulster has joined with three other leading trade bodies to try and ensure customers feel safe amid growing concerns about drink spiking at hospitality venues across the UK.

Recent weeks have seen increasing reports of drink spiking, in which substances are added to people’s drinks without their knowledge; alcohol the most common, but drugs are also often used.

And now UKHospitality, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) have joined Hospitality Ulster in producing a suite of resources aimed at helping operators combat drink spiking and protect customers.

A factsheet brings together resources to help operators bolster the work they are already doing to ensure their venues remain safe places in which to enjoy a night out.

In a joint statement, UKHospitality, the BBPA, the BII and Hospitality Ulster said: “Drink spiking is a despicable crime and cannot be tolerated. Everyone has a right to feel safe during a night out, which is why as a sector we work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment.

“Although the number of drink spiking reports remain low, any such incidents underline the need to protect the welfare and maintain the safety of customers. It is why we continue to collaborate with the police and other local stakeholders to ensure everyone can enjoy a fun night out.”

To prevent incidents happening in the first place, some venues now offer anti-spiking bottle stoppers and protective drink covers, while some local authorities and police forces are providing drug testing kits. The main preventative measure, though, remains well-trained, vigilant and supportive staff that know how to respond to situations they witness or which are reported to them.

At licensed venues, door staff, customer search procedures, CCTV and metal detectors also help prevent drink spiking but if an incident does occur, operators should take three steps:

• Always act on the report – activate your venue’s safeguarding procedures and act to identify suspects
• Ensure the health and safety of the affected customer – call the emergency services, ensure they are with trusted friends who will look after them, offer assistance, provide them with a safe space
• Log and record the incident for the emergency services and in order to take further internal action.

Operators are also being encouraged to make their venues unappealing to those seeking to commit crimes by using posters and social media to urge customers to be vigilant; training staff to identify issues before they arise; and by taking practical and physical measures, such as anti-spiking bottle stoppers.

The available resources for operators include posters, training for staff, advice and guidance as well as a film aimed at supporting vulnerable people, provided by a range of sources including the Night Time Industries Association, CPL Learning, Safer Sounds – WAVE Training, National Pubwatch and the Mayor of London.