Clubs and pubs in Bristol are warning customers about the risks of spiking during the Halloween weekend.
Hospitality workers are remaining vigilant around drink spiking as the spooky festivities approach, and venues reach their capacity.
Around 2% of UK adults say that they have been a victim of drink spiking in the past 12 months, according to Drinkaware.
Avon and Somerset Police reports that drink spiking takes place predominately during socialising periods, at bars and house parties.
Campaign group Bristol Nights are working hard to crack down on spiking in Bristol. Their End Drink Spiking campaign has delivered anti-spiking kits to over 150 venues across the city this year.
Rhiannon, who works at the White Lion, said: “We don’t encourage dress up, because it can cause trouble. For Halloween we allow it, but it does invite some sort of anonymity.”
She added that the White Lion has participated in the Ask for Angela scheme for many years. The scheme is a discreet way for customers to request support in venues nationwide.
She urged people to look out for each other during Halloween.
“If you do have drinks, don’t leave them unattended, leave them with someone you know,” she said.
“If you think your friend has had too much to drink, don’t let them drink any more alcohol.”
Dan Webb, operations manager at Wiper and True, added “we put responsibility in our staff” to ensure that customers remain safe.
He added: “We don’t have (a formal anti-spiking procedure) one in place currently, but I am thinking now that we should probably get something in place.”
As Halloween celebrations commence, students around the city raise their concerns about the risk of drink spiking.
Millie Vail, a second year student at Bristol School of Acting described a time that her friend was spiked.
“She became really unwell, really quickly,” she said. “There was a lack of support from the staff and security because they thought she had taken something or drank too much.”
She added: “I think it’s something that’s always in the back of my mind when I’m out and it doesn’t really go away”.
Yuno, a sexual health clinic based in Bristol, urged people to recognise the signs of spiking ahead of Halloween to keep as safe as possible.
They said: “It can be a scary experience, and it is important to be able to recognise the signs your drink has been spiked or how to help someone you suspect has been a victim.”
