International Stamp Out Drink Spiking Day 2023
Plymouth is a very safe and enjoyable night out. In 2022, it was rated in the UK’s top ten for nightlife (Get Licensed 2022) and city safety (Get Licensed 2023). But like any city, there can be times when unsafe things happen. Saturday 15 July 2023 is International Stamp Out Spiking Day, an important campaign led by Stop Topps.
Drink spiking is when someone intentionally puts alcohol or drugs into someone else’s drink without their knowledge or permission. Sometimes people do it ‘for a joke’, or sometimes people do it for more sinister reasons e.g., to incapacitate someone in order to assault them. No matter the perpetrator’s intention, it’s dangerous and illegal.
What can I do to stay safe on a night out?
- Plan ahead – know where you are going, who with, and make sure others know where you’ll be.
- Go to licensed venues – venues that serve alcohol have to be licenced. In Plymouth, many establishments are part of ‘Best Bar None’, meaning they are well run and safe places to be.
- Stay with friends – always go out with friends and people you trust.
- Be aware of what is going on around you.
- Make sure your mobile is fully charged so you always have a way of keeping in touch.
How do I stay safe from drink spiking?
- Don’t allow others to buy your drinks and don’t accept drinks from strangers.
- Never leave your drink unattended and don’t try other people’s drinks.
- If your drink tastes strange or different, throw it away.
What are the common symptoms of spiking?
Many symptoms of spiking are similar to someone who is very drunk. It’s important to be aware of how you and your friends are feeling and behaving – if you notice a change, something may be wrong.
Symptoms of drink spiking include:
- Sudden change in behaviour
- Difficulty speaking
- Blurred vision and problems with balance and coordination
- Confusion/memory loss/blackouts
- Hallucinations & paranoia
- Nausea & vomiting
- Passing out & becoming unresponsive
- Feeling drunk when you know you shouldn’t be.
What should I do if I think I’ve been spiked?
If you think you may have been spiked, you should:
- Tell a friend you trust and ask them to stay with you. They can take you home or, if very unwell, take you to hospital.
- If you are in a pub, bar, restaurant, or club, tell a member of staff or security immediately.
- Don’t go anywhere alone or with a stranger.
- Once home, ask your friend to stay with you and monitor you until the effects have worn off – this can take several hours.
- Tell the Police as soon as possible – Call 101 or, if you’re in an unsafe situation, call 999.
- If a friend begins to lose consciousness due to suspected spiking, call 999.
It’s important to remember that drink spiking is never the fault of the victim. Lots of people can help you and they won’t blame you – it’s not your fault.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that it is an offence to administer a substance, to a person with the intent to overpower that person to enable sexual activity with them. It is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. This means that slipping alcohol or drugs into someone’s drink is against the law, even if the drink is not consumed or the person is not harmed. The same would be true of needle spiking which would also be a physical assault.
If you’ve been affected by crime and need confidential support or information, call Victim Support on 0808 168 9111.
(Change Grow Live, 2023)
(Talk to Frank, 2023)
Post authored by:
Patrick Owen
Press & Public Relations Officer
Plymouth Marjon University
