A worrying rise in the number of drug rapes has led the police to ask the pub industry for help.
The police are asking pub staff in all areas of the country to look out for customers behaving suspiciously after reported drug rape attacks rose by 64 per cent in the last year.
Up to half of all women asked said that they thought their drink had been spiked while they were in a pub or club, according to Detective Chief Inspector Peter Sturman who set up the Drug Rape Trust to address the growing problem.
In response to the rise in attacks, a new campaign was launched last week by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb. He was made aware of the issue after two of his constituents reported they were victims of drug rape.
Licensees themselves have also noted an increase. Some have even come up with their own ways to try and deal with the problem.
Last year, McCluskys in Bristol designed new beer mats warning of the dangers. Scientists have also developed a high-tech cocktail stirrer which changes colour if drugs are present in a drink and could soon be available in pubs for as little as 50p.
DCI Sturman said that there were a number of things that licensees could do to try and make their customers more aware of the problem (see below).
"We are asking licensees to display our 'Be Aware, Take Care' posters in both male and female toilets as these list points on how customers can try and safeguard themselves against an attack," he said.
Posters and beer mats alerting customers to the risks of drug rape are also available and any licensees requiring more information can contact the trust on 01702 317695.
Be Aware, Take Care
To help stop drug rape, licensees are advised to:
- put up posters warning customers of the dangers
- ask staff to be vigilant for any unusual behavior
- watch out for any customers tampering with drinks
- train staff to tell the difference between drug intoxication and drunkenness.
Pub-goers should be warned:
- to keep their drinks with them at all times
- to watch that other members of their group get home safely
- not to allow strangers to buy them drinks
- tell barstaff if they suspect they or a friend may have been drugged.
Related articles:
Rape drug to be banned amid growing concerns (12 December 2001)
Campaign launched to alert pubs to dangers of drug rape (14 November 2001)
Alert over rape drug after spate of attacks (6 November 2001)
Bristol licensees urged to be vigilant as drug rapes soar (10 August 2001)
Drugs detector developed to be sold in pubs and clubs (03 August 2001)
Trade warned of rise in drug rapes (23 May 2001)