The numbers are stark, sadly, a significant portion of UK adults have experienced or suspect they’ve been a victim of drink spiking. As bars and clubs are the most frequent locations of such instances, proactive measures are essential for building trust and ensuring the well-being of everyone who walks through your doors.
Practical Steps for Prevention
While vigilant staff are crucial, relying solely on observation isn’t enough. Implementing tangible measures can significantly deter spiking and offer your customers greater peace of mind:
- Promote Awareness: Display signs in your venue outlining your commitment to preventing spiking and detailing the support available if someone feels unwell. This simple step can act as a deterrent and empower customers to seek help.
- Staff Training is Key: Equip your team with comprehensive training on recognising the signs of spiking and how to respond effectively. This includes knowing who to alert, how to discreetly assist a potentially affected customer, and the importance of taking all concerns seriously.
- Offer Assistance Discreetly: Establish a clear and discreet protocol for customers who feel unwell or suspect their drink has been tampered with. This could involve a designated staff member they can approach or a code word system. Ensure they are taken to a safe, private area and their concerns are addressed with empathy and without judgment.
- Visible Security Measures: Visible security personnel can act as a deterrent. Consider strategically positioned staff or security cameras to monitor key areas within your bar.
- Follow Government Guidance: There are a range of resources available on the government website.
- Provide Drink Protection Options: Make anti-spiking devices readily available to your customers. One option is the Drink Lock Anti-Spiking Drink Cover, which can be found in our latest brochure.
The Drink Lock is a single-use, self-adhesive drink cover designed to fit most glasses up to 100mm in diameter. Its pre-cut straw slot allows for easy and safe drinking without the need to remove the cover, minimising the risk of tampering. Easy to apply and remove without leaving any sticky residue, the Drink Lock offers a tangible layer of protection for your customers. A box of 250 covers is also ideal for offering directly to patrons. Being 100% recyclable and foil-free, it aligns with environmentally conscious practices.
