Bar staff to receive anti-spiking training

Thousands of door and bar staff will be trained on how to spot and tackle spiking under new plans from the government.

An announcement from 10 Downing Street revealed the scheme will be piloted from next month to equip staff with the skills to prevent incidents, support victims and enable police to collect evidence.

This will be available for up to 10,000 bar staff across the country by spring 2025.

It has also been confirmed the government will make spiking a new criminal offence.

Spiking is already illegal under current laws, such as Section 24 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

MPs on the Home Affairs Committee and the Night Time Industries Association had previously called on the Conservative government to create a specific offence for spiking. 

The police received 6,732 reports of spiking in the year ending April 2023, 957 of which related to needle spiking, according to government data.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be speaking to police chiefs, transport bosses and hospitality executives at Downing Street later today to set out how they should work collaboratively to combat spiking.

Over 20 police forces across England and Wales already deploy plain clothed officers into bars and clubs to spot predatory sexual behaviour.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality and chair of Institute of Licensing, will be present at the meeting to discuss supporting the Home Office with its plans to introduce nationwide anti-spiking training for door and bar staff.

Starmer said: “Today, I will bring together police chiefs, heads of industry and transport bosses to demand coordinated action to stop women being targeted, whether they are out with friends or simply travelling home. Cracking down on spiking is central to that mission. 

“We know it can be incredibly difficult for victims to come forward to report this awful crime, and these cases can be very hard to prosecute. We must do more to bring the vile perpetrators who carry out this cowardly act, usually against young women and often to commit a sexual offence, to justice.”

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), described the government’s initiative as a “critical milestone”.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to making spiking a specific criminal offence, something we have advocated for alongside others since the Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry in 2022. This will send a strong message to offenders while empowering victims to come forward with confidence with the justice system’s support,” he said.

While Kill pointed out there are still risks of spiking outside of hospitality venues, such as at house parties and halls of residence, a “collective approach” between all authorities could prevent serious harm.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the UK’s night-time economy is not just vibrant and welcoming but also a safe and secure environment for everyone. Together, with coordinated action and shared responsibility, we can drive real change and create a society where safety is guaranteed, whether in a licensed venue or a domestic setting,” he added.