Hospitality trade bodies to help operators combat drink spiking

26 November 2021 by
Hospitality trade bodies to help operators combat drink spiking

UKHospitality, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and Hospitality Ulster have produced a suite of resources aimed at helping operators combat drink spiking.

In a joint statement, the group 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."

A bar in Tunbridge Wells has been closed this week after seven people reported suspicions they may have been spiked – including two who suggested a substance could have been administered using a needle.

Some venues offer anti-spiking bottle stoppers and protective drink covers, while some local authorities and police forces are providing drug testing kits.

If an incident does occur, operators have been advised to take three steps:

  • Always act on a report, activating the 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 and provide them with a safe space.
  • Log and record the incident for the emergency services and to take further internal action.

Operators are also being encouraged to train staff to identify issues before they arise as well as preventative measures, such as anti-spiking bottle stoppers.

The resources for operators, available here, include posters, training for staff, advice and guidance as well as a film, provided by sources including the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA), CPL Learning, Safer Sounds – Wave Training, National Pubwatch and the Mayor of London.

Photo: Shutterstock / Pressmaster

The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking