Safer Nights Out: Tackling Drink Spiking in the UK

Drink spiking means giving someone alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or consent. It can happen by adding a substance to a drink, increasing the amount of alcohol in it, or by other methods. Spiking is a crime and can leave the person affected confused, frightened or seriously unwell.

Although there is no single measure that can eliminate the risk, venues, individuals and the police can all play a part in making nights out safer. Knowing what to look for and what to do if something feels wrong is particularly important.

Contents

• Drink Spiking in the UK
• Government and Police Response
• Drink Spiking Countermeasures
• Ask for Angela
• Venue Safety Measures
• What to Do if You Think You Have Been Spiked
• Safer Nights Out

Drink Spiking in the UK

Drink spiking has received increased attention in the UK in recent years. However, estimating exactly how common it is can be difficult because not every incident is reported to the police and suspected cases are not always confirmed through forensic testing.

Spiking can involve illegal drugs, prescription medicines or additional alcohol. Possible signs include feeling unexpectedly intoxicated, confused or disorientated, difficulty walking or communicating, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, memory loss or loss of consciousness.

These symptoms can have many causes, so feeling unwell does not necessarily mean someone has been spiked. However, an unexpected or unusually strong reaction should be taken seriously.

Government and Police Response

The UK government and police have increased their focus on spiking, including clearer guidance for people who think they may have been affected. Spiking is illegal, regardless of whether another offence such as theft or sexual assault takes place.

If an incident is happening now and someone is injured or in immediate danger, call 999. Non-emergency incidents can be reported to the police online, by calling 101 or at a police station.

For current official advice, see the government’s spiking advice and support guidance and Police.uk spiking guidance.

Drink Spiking Countermeasures

Some venues and individuals use physical barriers to make it more difficult for someone to interfere with a drink. These include reusable bottle stoppers, drink covers and other protective products.

For bottled drinks, a stopper such as the Spikey Anti Drink Spiking Bottle Stopper can provide an additional physical barrier around the bottle opening. Products of this kind should be seen as one precaution rather than a guarantee against spiking.

Ask for Angela

Ask for Angela is a discreet safety scheme used by participating venues and organisations. Someone who feels unsafe or needs assistance can ask a member of staff for “Angela” to indicate privately that they need help.

At participating venues, trained staff can respond according to the situation and the person’s wishes. This might include helping them leave safely, staying with them, contacting security or escalating the situation where necessary.

Because the scheme depends on staff awareness and participation, it is sensible not to assume that every venue operates Ask for Angela. If immediate help is needed, speak directly to a member of staff or call the emergency services.

Venue Safety Measures

Nightlife venues can use a range of measures to reduce risk and respond effectively when someone becomes unwell or feels unsafe. Depending on the venue, these may include:

• trained staff who know how to respond to suspected spiking
• clear procedures for helping vulnerable customers
• CCTV and appropriately trained security staff
• removing unattended drinks
• providing drink covers or other protective products
• first-aid provision
• participating in schemes such as Ask for Angela
• promptly contacting the police when an offence is suspected

Good venue procedures are particularly important because someone who has been spiked may be confused, unsteady or unable to explain clearly what has happened.

What to Do if You Think You Have Been Spiked

If you suddenly feel much more intoxicated or unwell than expected, tell someone you trust and alert venue staff as soon as possible. Do not leave alone with someone you do not trust.

If someone is seriously unwell, unconscious, having difficulty breathing, having a seizure or otherwise needs urgent medical assistance, call 999.

If you want to report suspected spiking, doing so promptly can be important for forensic testing. Some substances can leave the body within 12 hours or even sooner, while other substances may remain detectable for several days. Police may ask for a urine or blood sample as part of an investigation.

Where possible, keep anything that might provide evidence, such as the glass or bottle involved. Do not worry if this is not possible. You can still report an incident even if time has passed, you have no physical evidence or you do not want to provide a forensic sample.

If sexual assault may have taken place, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre can provide specialist medical and practical support as well as forensic examinations where appropriate.

Safer Nights Out

Responsibility for spiking always lies with the person who carries it out. People should not have to change their behaviour simply to avoid becoming a victim.

Nevertheless, practical measures such as staying with friends, keeping track of your drink, using a bottle stopper or drink cover where appropriate, and knowing how to get help can provide additional reassurance. Venues also have an important role in creating an environment where concerns are taken seriously and staff know how to respond.

Most importantly, if you or someone you are with suddenly becomes unexpectedly unwell, do not dismiss it. Get help, stay together and seek medical or police assistance where appropriate.

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