Oxford venue says anti-spiking tools are essential for people’s safety
Freshers Week is currently underway for students at Oxford University
A nightclub in Oxford says tools helping prevent spiking, such as drink covers and tests kits, are an extra cost that's “essential” for people's safety.
It comes as Freshers Week at the University of Oxford has gotten underway this week, meaning thousands of students will be coming to the city and enjoying the nightlife.
Adam Johansen is Head of Operations at Plush in Oxford and has been working there for the past nine years.
He said: “Unfortunately spiking has been around for decades and decades and there are unpleasant people in this world, so it won't be going away anytime soon.
“However, we are very fortunate that it is a very, very rare occurrence and I want to stress that because we as a venue pride ourselves in being a safe space.”
Speaking about the measures they have in place to help prevent any spiking incidents, Mr Johansen said: “We’ve got StopTopps which are essentially a foil sticker which you look peel and put on the top of a drink which you then stab a straw through.
“It essentially means that nobody can slip something in someone's drink without their knowledge or consent. They're completely free of charge and available at all bars in the venue.
“We've also got drink spike testing kits. So, in any case that anyone comes forward and says that they believe their drink may have been spiked, it's a free service we provide if someone comes up to management or bar staff. Also, we will always replace someone's drink.”
Adding, “It's an added cost to the business, but for us we believe it's an essential cost.”
Adam is also encouraging more venues to take a similar approach to prevent spiking, he said: “For those venues that may be struggling and may not be able to add that cost, we know that there are some fantastic charities that provide similar kind of services.
“It's 100% necessary and everyone has their part to be playing in in terms of safeguarding.”