Bar personnel will receive training to address incidents of drink spiking as part of governmental initiatives aimed at combating violence against women and girls.
Individuals working in the nighttime hospitality sector will be educated on how to identify and avert such occurrences, as well as assist in “gathering evidence” through a new pilot scheme set to commence in December, as announced by Number 10.
The objective is to train up to 10,000 bar personnel nationwide by the spring of the following year.
Additional information will be deliberated at a gathering in Downing Street on Monday, featuring the prime minister alongside chief constables, transport leaders, and industry stakeholders.
Sir Keir Starmer stated: “My government was elected with a promise to reclaim our streets, and we will never realize this goal if women and girls do not feel secure during nighttime hours.”
“Today, I am convening police leaders, industry executives, and transport authorities to call for unified action to protect women from being targeted, whether they are out with friends or simply returning home.”
He further expressed: “Combating drink spiking is integral to this initiative.”
“We understand that it can be exceedingly challenging for victims to come forward and report this heinous crime, and prosecuting these cases can be quite difficult. We need to enhance our efforts to bring to justice the despicable offenders who commit such cowardly acts, typically against young women and frequently with the intent to perpetrate sexual crimes.”
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The Labour Party committed in its manifesto to establishing a new offense regarding drink spiking, though specifics have been scarce since then.
While spiking already constitutes a criminal offense encompassed within assault, advocates argue that establishing a distinct offense will clarify a “zero tolerance” stance on the matter.
The Metropolitan Police of London reported a 13% rise in spiking incidents in 2023, totaling 1,383 reports.
Sir Keir reaffirmed his dedication to the manifesto commitment on Monday, and the government asserts it is part of their pledge to reduce incidents of violence against women and girls (VAWG) by half over the next decade.
It remains uncertain when this legislation will be put forth, but ministers and officials are believed to be striving to expedite its introduction.
Monday’s meeting will also review strategies already being implemented by law enforcement, with 20 police forces in England and Wales deploying undercover officers in areas surrounding bars and clubs to detect predatory behaviors.
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, of the British Transport Police, will underscore the reintroduction of the text-to-report hotline, 61016, which is now accessible for free on all major networks, encouraging women to reach out to the police for assistance in cases of harassment aboard trains.
Other notable attendees at the meeting include Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality and chair of the Institute of Licensing, alongside Chief Constable Maggie Blythe, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for VAWG.
