The Bath Business Improvement District (Bath BID) in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) have launched the Safe and Secure: Anti-Drink Spiking Campaign for venues, bar staff and security staff in Bath.
The Stop Spiking campaign aims to unite Bath’s night-time economy to tackle drink spiking; raising awareness of how to support a victim and how to report an incident.
The launch saw PCSO Will Ayliffe from Avon and Somerset Police present the latest drink spiking figures before Bath BID presented the drink spiking prevention guide.
There has been a national drive to stop drink spiking incidents and Bath BID is pleased to be the latest to be launching its own campaign, building on the success of the Bristol Nights campaign.
Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath Business Improvement District 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 to keep Bath night-time economy visitors safe.
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.”
Police Sergeant Jonathan Raisey from Avon and Somerset Police commented:
“Reports of drink spiking increased from eight reports in 2020 to 74 reports in 2021, reflecting a growing awareness and intolerance for this type of incident. 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.
“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. We’re 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. Moving forward, 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, Venue Manager from Komedia said:
“We were 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. 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 also commented:
“Bath BID have spearheaded the Bath Spiking Awareness Campaign which myself and my team at Labyrinth have been proud to be a part of. Awareness that these things can happen helps our customers add an extra layer of security to their nights out.”
Councillor Dine Romero, B&NES cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture, 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. If you think your drink has been spiked please report it as soon as possible and be reassured that staff at venues are there to help you.”
