THE owner of a Chester bar has said prevention and increased police intervention are key when it comes to the crime of drinks being spiked, rather than a boycott of bars and clubs.

In recent months, hundreds of drink spiking incidents have been reported in the UK to police forces.

Drink spiking is when other substances are added to drinks, such as alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs, with the intention of making the drinker more vulnerable for a variety of motives with the signs of a spiked drink taking effect within as little as 15 minutes.

The concern over the issue has led hundreds women to boycott nightclubs for a week to raise awareness of spiking and sexual harassment at venues, in a movement called 'Girls Night In'.

It has gained support in a number of locations across the UK, including in Liverpool and Manchester.

Zoe Ellis, owner of the Palm Restaurant and Eateries on Watergate Street in Chester, said while she sympathises with the idea behind the new campaign, she feels bars and clubs are being unfairly targeted, and increased police intervention and prevention should be higher priorities.

She said: "We are all looking to achieve the same goal in making Chester and other cities a safe place for all to enjoy a night out and whilst we will never be able to eradicate all negatives we can certainly make sure that we are doing all we can to prevent any incidents that could lead to a negative outcome for anyone.

"As a female-owned business, Palm is extremely keen to make sure that it is a safe place for all of its customers.

"With this in mind, we work with Women’s Aid to promote them and their services, all of our staff are trained in Angela [the Ask for Angela campaign which allows people believing they are in danger to 'Ask for Angela' at the bar and they can be taken to a safe place], and also trained to recognise the international recognised sign language for help.

"This is standard for our staff and part of their day one training; as well as this we hold refresher training days and post any updates/alerts to the staff group as well as the staff app. This helps us and the staff be aware of any issue in real time.

"I can completely appreciate the sentiment behind the national Girls Night In campaign; however, I do think boycotting bars/clubs make it seem like we are responsible and the cause of these terrible events.

"I believe prevention to be key in helping combat this issue however there still needs to be police intervention and this needs to be increased if the problem is increasing.

"Firstly; with regards to boycotting, I feel like as an industry we are already struggling and whilst some might not think asking a bar/club to close for one night or be quieter is an issue; for us it’s a huge thing.

"This is the difference between someone getting a shift that week or maybe having enough money in their wages at the end of the month after nearly two years of on and off work and part payment via furlough. At this moment in time every trading hour and every customer makes a difference and matters.

"Which is why I go back to the fact prevention and protection for the customer from bar owners and managers is key to avoid future boycotts.

"Prevention comes in many forms, as stated above, however the reason for police liaison on this is simple; we are dealing with criminals. People who are buying and selling drugs as well as people who could potentially be sex offenders/attackers.

"To not look at working with the police on this issue puts all the responsibility on hospitality staff. This is something I do not agree with and feel needs changing when looking at how we work together with the task of combatting this issue."

Drinkaware lists the symptoms of someone who has taken a spiked drink include:

  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Loss of balance
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Visual problems
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Unconsciousness

The symptoms will depend on lots of factors such as the substance or mix of substances used (including the dose), your size and weight, and how much alcohol you have already consumed.

If you or a friend start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, then get help straight away.

Anyone who suspects they or their friend had had their drink spiked should:

  • Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff
  • Stay with them and keep talking to them
  • Call an ambulance if the condition deteriorates
  • Don’t let them go home on their own
  • Don’t leave with someone you don’t know or trust
  • Don’t drink more alcohol - this could lead to more serious problems

Spiking a drink carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.