Safety in the night time economy

Stop Spiking

Local authorities have signed up to support the Cleveland Police and Police and Crime Commissioner campaign against drink spiking.

Drink spiking refers to the act of adding drugs or alcohol to people's drinks to try and influence their behaviours. Please be aware of the following things:

• people putting alcohol into a non-alcoholic drink
• people putting more alcohol into an alcoholic drink
• people slipping prescription or illegal drugs into a drink (such as benzodiazepines, amphetamines or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) - also called liquid ecstasy)

Drink spiking is a premeditated act, a personal violation and a crime. It carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Symptoms can vary depending on the size and height of the person, type and amount of drug or alcohol used or how much alcohol was consumed prior to the incident. Here's some things to look out for:

• confusion
• nausea or vomiting
• hallucinations
• disorientation
• inability to communicate clearly
• paranoia
• poor coordination
• poor visibility
• unconsciousness

You can access further information and free staff training on the GOV.UK spiking: information for venues webapge. 

If you think you have been spiked please follow the advice on Cleveland Police's website.