Bristol getting more funding to tackle drink spiking
Drink testing kits will be given to the police, bars and clubs
Bars and clubs across Bristol are being given more kits to test for drink spiking thanks to money from the government.
It comes after increasing reports of incidents lately both in Bristol and around the country.
The Safety of Women at Night Fund was launched in July with up to £5 million made available for projects and initiatives to improve the safety of women in public spaces at night.
Bristol City Council will receive funding for a trial rollout of kits to detect drink spiking, which will be made available to all police officers and at 60 bars and clubs.
The Home Office says the kits will allow officers to test drinks on the spot preventing assaults and helping them to gain early evidence for any investigation.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Violence against women and girls in our country’s nightlife is still an awful reality for many, and horrific crimes such as sexual assault have devastating consequences.
“Working with the police, local authorities and venues these innovative projects will identify and crack down on those who pose a risk and give women the practical support when they need it.
“We must use every possible tool at our disposal to ensure people feel safe at night when walking home, using transport, or enjoying a night out with friends.”
Bedfordshire PCC Festus Akinbusoye, Prevention Lead at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “No-one should be made to feel scared or intimidated while they enjoy our vibrant British night-life.
"PCCs are committed to making our communities safer, including reducing violence against women and girls. This money will enable us to support practical solutions which make people feel safer and build an evidence base for what works.”
The Home Office, with the support of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, has also launched a new online tool called StreetSafe, piloted across police forces in England and Wales.
It allows the public, particularly women and girls, to pinpoint areas on a map where they feel unsafe and say why.
The information is used by police forces to better work with communities to improve local safety.