Pubs, bars and clubs in Bath have joined a campaign to tackle drink spiking following a massive increase in reported cases over the past year.
More than 60 venues across Bath have pledged to help keep visitors safe while they enjoy the city’s night-time economy by making their bar and security staff aware of the threat of spiking along with how they can support a victim and how to report an incident.
The Stop Spiking campaign has been launched by the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES).
It aims to build on the success of a similar scheme in Bristol by bringing together businesses in Bath’s night-time economy.
According to Avon and Somerset Police, reports of drink spiking increased alarmingly from eight in 2020 to 74 last year – reflecting a disturbing national picture of soaring cases.
Bath BID CEO Allison Herbert, pictured, said: “We are delighted to be leading this project and we have had a great response from businesses in the Bath BID area.
“Over 60 bar and security staff attended the launch and are committed to working together.
“Bath BID’s partnership with hospitality businesses gives us a unique opportunity to launch initiatives like the #StopSpiking campaign that have both the businesses and the public at heart.”
The campaign forms part of the BID’s Safe and Secure crime reduction partnership, which aims to prevent and deter crime and antisocial behaviour in the city centre.
Avon and Somerset Police Sergeant Jonathan Raisey said the huge jump in reports of spiking reflected the growing awareness and intolerance towards it.
“Despite an improvement in reporting numbers, we are aware that drink spiking is at high risk of going un-reported by victims for a variety of reasons,” he said.
“We’re working alongside our partners in Bath to launch the Stop Spiking campaign in order to increase understanding of early evidence gathering, highlight the importance of relevant testing, and educate on the signs of spiking to look out for.
“Spiking is a criminal offence and, if found guilty, carries a sentence of five years – longer if other offences have been committed.
“We want to make it clear to anyone who is going out to a bar, club or pub with the intent of spiking someone that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
He said the campaign partners were working closely with venue owners in Bath to arm their workforce with the tools and training to tackle these types of issues.
“The campaign is a great illustration of how working together can quickly and effectively make a real difference in improving safety,” he added.
“We want to continue this narrative, ensuring that the night-time economy is recognised as a safe and supported sector in all respects and for all people and communities.”
Adrian Boreham, manager at live music venue Komedia on Westgate, said he had been delighted to host the Bath BID Stop Spiking Workshop.
“This campaign is important as it not only raises awareness of the dangers, it also offers vital information for venues and their staff on how to spot signs of drink spiking and how to act quickly and accordingly,” he added.
“We look forward to working with Bath BID and the rest of the night-time economy community in Bath.”
John Mason, site director at Labyrinth nightclub on North Parade, said he was proud to support the campaign.
“Awareness that these things can happen helps our customers add an extra layer of security to their nights out,” he said
B&NES cabinet member for children and young people, communities and culture, Dine Romero, added: “It’s despicable that people go out with the intention of spiking someone’s drink and we won’t tolerate it in the night life across Bath and North East Somerset.”
The BID is one of 328 across the UK and Ireland through which businesses in a specific area vote to pay a levy to fund a range of projects to help their businesses – and the surrounding area – be more successful.
