Pubs in Scotland trial anti-tampering devices

An anti-tampering device designed to prevent drinks from being spiked is being piloted at pubs in North Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire.

The 'SafeFlo' device allows drink out but makes it difficult to put anything else in, and is aimed at protecting drinkers from alcohol and drug-assisted sex attacks.

Once fitted, the special bottle tops - which come in either a webbing or straw-based form - are virtually impossible to remove without breaking either the bottle or the device.

Chief superintendent Gordon Meldrum of Strathclyde Police said: "The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness and educate patrons of the dangers associated with drink spiking. We want to ensure everyone can relax and remain safe during the festive period."

Pubs that have signed up to trial the scheme so far include the Avon Lounge in Glasgow and the Eagles Lodge in Bishopbriggs. The devices have also been adopted by Cobra Beer, who will be distributing them free to some of its trade customers in the region.

Simon Edwards, marketing director for Cobra, said the tops were "an ingenious response to an awful trend". "The spiking of drinks is a very serious problem and we are happy to be working with SafeFlo to bring awareness and a solution to the problem," he said.

As well as distributing the devices, Strathclyde Police will also mount a poster campaign targeting pubs and clubs in the trial areas.

Stewart McCulloch, chairman of Crimestoppers Scotland, said: "People should be club and pub savvy when out partying over the festive season. These bottle tops provide an ingenious solution which I'm sure will help raise awareness of the growing menace of drug and alcohol-assisted sexual assault."