Calls for action on drink spiking in pubs and clubs ahead of Welsh Parliament debate today

Action is needed to clampdown on spiking in pubs and clubs, Welsh Conservatives say ahead of debate in the Senedd today.

The party is holding a debate today (Wednesday, November 10) and will urge The Welsh Government to work with stakeholders to help prevent spiking incidents in Wales.

Proposed action includes providing bottle stoppers and drinks covers at venues for free and training staff on how to spot and deal with spiking incidents.

The motion also calls for enhanced CCTV to assist with evidence to secure prosecutions and improved safety checks at venues including searches of pockets, bags, jackets and coats.

Welsh Conservatives say there have been “shocking reports of people, particularly young women, being spiked – sometimes via an injection – have been rife in recent weeks.”

“There have been hundreds of reports of drinks being spiked and the worrying use of needles across the UK.”

More than 100 spiking incidents have been reported to North Wales Police over the last five years.

Officers have recorded 110 incidents of spiking since 2017 according to figures published following a freedom of information (FOI) request.

In the 12 months to November 1, 2021, there were 26 drink spiking offences and spiking offences by injection recorded by officers in North Wales.

That represents an increase of 30% on the previous year when 20 cases were recorded by police in North Wales.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Culture, Tom Giffard MS, who will be leading the debate, said: “Everyone should be able to go out and have a good time with friends and family in our pubs and clubs without fear of being spiked by sick and depraved individuals.

“There have been some truly horrific and appalling spiking incidents in the news recently and we must do everything possible to eradicate this from our society.

“Some groups have formed and taken action to raise awareness of spiking and now is the time for Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay to heed our calls and play their part.

“It is vital they not only used devolved levers to prevent the rise in spiking, but they must also step in and work with stakeholders to ensure the safety of those going out at night.

“We haven’t even had the debate yet and already Labour ministers are trying to get out of taking tough action by amending our motion to water down the specific measures they should be taking.

“Instead of shirking their responsibility, ministers and politicians across the Senedd should support our motion, which is an important step in cracking down on spiking and making our venues safer.”

Ahead of today’s Senedd debate on spiking, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS has reiterated her calls for Welsh political parties to join together and adopt three proposals she argues will help reduce incidents of spiking.

The three proposals put forward by the Welsh Liberal Democrats are:

• Free drug test strips to be made available for free at all bars and nightclubs, backed by Government funding if necessary.
• Greater access to training on drink spiking for all venue staff, security services and the police.
• Tougher sentences for those found guilty of spiking.

Commenting ahead of the debate Jane said: “Over the last few weeks, I have heard from numerous people, especially young women, who are feeling extremely anxious and scared.

“Women should not need to change their behaviour to feel safe when enjoying a night out. Unfortunately, this is not a new issue, rather an issue that has been swept under the rug for far too long and is finally coming to light. Anxieties over spiking join pre-existing concerns for women over sexual violence and harassment.

“We now need legislation to help tackle this problem urgently and I hope the other political parties in the Senedd will join me in calling for more action.

“I would also add that reports over the last few weeks highlight a deeper problem in our society, the need for more women in policy-making positions. Whether it’s in our parliaments and political parties, the police or local councils. The fact this threat has been left unaddressed for so long is simply evidence of the need for more female voices, particularly young females, at the decision-making table.”