Drink spiking: Using lids on cups to stay safe

Drink spiking is a serious crime.

In this article, we provide more information and statistics about drink spiking, and how covering drinks can help deter drink spikers.

What is drink spiking?

The act of drink spiking involves putting alcohol or drugs into someone’s drink without their knowledge or permission.

It can occur anywhere drinks are served such as at nightclubs, parties, pubs, restaurants, and even homes. Different types of spiking can include the following substances being added to drinks:

• Alcohol
• ‘Date rape’ drugs
• Illegal drugs
• Prescription drugs (e.g., stimulants, tranquilisers, sedatives, opiates)

The most common reasons of drink spiking are theft, rape, and sexual assault.

Drink spiking is illegal in the UK and carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.

Statistics

According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, there were 198 confirmed reports of drink spiking in September and October in 2021 across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Offences mostly took place at licensed premises and at private parties.

It is estimated that figures could be higher, as not all incidents are reported.

Covering drinks to prevent drink spiking

There have been increasing calls for commercial premises to adopt new approaches to keep people safe. One of these is offering cup lids and covers to customers.

Event Supplies offers clear lids for cups, which can serve as a deterrent for drink spikers.

Lids are fit to popular pint and half pint cup sizes including 10oz and 12oz, 20oz and 22oz. These lids can be used in any commercial setting, such as bars, clubs, and venues. They are also easy to store.

Other ways to keep safe

• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
• Stick to the UK drinking guidelines.
• Opt for a bottle rather than a glass.
• Place a thumb over the bottle.
• Hold a glass from the top rather than the side.
• Stick together with friends and support each other.

For more information about drink spiking, how to keep safe, and information on reporting it, please visit Drink Aware.