UKH to help advocate spiking prevention guidance
This comes after the Home Office announced it would modernise legislation around drink and needle spiking.
On Saturday evening (16 December), the Home Office announced amendments would be made to the Criminal Justice Bill and updates to the Offences Against The Person Act 1861 to make it clear that spiking is illegal.
Spiking is when someone puts drugs into another person’s drink or directly into their body without their consent or knowledge.
Ministers had come under pressure from campaigners and opposition parties to make spiking a specific offence.
The Home Office has announced a new package of measures to prevent spiking. This includes changes to legislation, training more door staff and an online spiking tool that allows victims to anonymously report any incidents.
Safety first
UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The safety of customers is a top priority for hospitality businesses, so highlighting and informing measures to prevent spiking is important.
“Education and proper training are essential and hospitality businesses continue to work tirelessly to prevent spiking.
“We’re committed to working with sector partners to provide venues with up-to-date advice and guidance on best practice to prevent spiking, as well as with the Home Office on measures like these.”
Spiking incidents
Nearly 5,000 cases of needle and drink spiking incidents were reported to police in England and Wales in the 12 months to September 2022, according to National Police Chiefs' Council figures.
In 2022, the third edition of Stint’s Students Sentiment Tracker revealed one in six students said they had been spiked at a nightlife venue.
The tracker surveyed more than 1,000 students across the UK to examine attitudes to safety, employability and mental health.
