Venues could lose licences if spiking records are not improved
A government consultation found bars, pubs and clubs should be safe
Venues with poor track records of spiking drinks will have to improve to keep their alcoholic licences, under new proposals from the Government.
The Home Affairs Committee found in a consultation that not enough is being done to support victims of spiking, leaving it an "invisible crime".
New proposals to improve the safety of people going to hospitality venues such as bars, pubs and nightclubs - all of which are hotspots for spiking - are now being considered.
One proposal is ensuring both local and licencing authorities keep a close eye on establishments that have had reports of spikings previously, with the possibility of having their licence revoked if they do not improve.
Staff in these establishments must also have adequate training to spot the signs of a spiking and what to do if someone looks as if they have been spiked.
The committee also admitted that it remains difficult to know the true scale of how prevalent spiking is, as many do not come forward and report their experience to the authorities.
But even if victims make a formal report with police, many have said they were not supported in the aftermath with a culture of victim-blaming causing many to shy away from reporting the incident.
According to a survey run by the committee between December 2021 and January 2022, 84% of victims said they received no support after being spiked, with 72% refusing to bring the case to the police.
Speaking about the results of the consultation, Home Affairs Committee chairwoman, Dame Diana Johnson, said more needed to be done to protect potential victims.
"It isn't good enough to tell people to put lids on their drinks or normalise taking a testing kit out with you," she said. "Everyone should have the right to go out and enjoy themselves without fear," she said.
"The message needs to be sent to perpetrators that spiking is absolutely unacceptable and will be punished."