Bars & clubs across South Yorkshire 'more clued up than ever' around drink spiking
We've been speaking to representatives from Sheffield's night-time economy about the issue during Freshers week
There's a warning for people planning to spike the drinks of others across South Yorkshire that 'all eyes will be on them' during Freshers Week.
Those working in the local night-time economy insist their priority is keeping students safe as they settle in to their first few weeks of life at university.
Darren Hendleman-Horne is from Sheffield's Best Bar None scheme - who help to push for safer socialising + professionalism in the city's bars and nightclubs.
He says preventative measures against spiking are essential:
"From a venue perspective, bars and clubs will offer the use of things like drinks toppers.
"They'll have practical measures in place like good CCTV and well-trained door staff.
"Venues should also minimise blind spots by using lighting cleverly with mirrors.
"If you have got an intention to enter the night-time economy for nefarious means, my recommendations would be stay at home and don't bother - because we're already on to you.
"From a customer perspective, this is about sticking together with your friends, being aware of your surroundings and looking out for each other.
"Never leave drinks unattended, don't accept a drink off someone you don't know, and try to avoid drinking too much.
"Stay as part of a group if possible or organise lifts or taxis in advance if you can.
"If you've been spiked, you may start feeling sleepy or a bit nauseous.
"You might begin vomiting and feel confused, and you could lose you balance or have visual problems.
"The most important thing is that the incident is reported to the venue straight away, so the venue can act on that information."
Police forces across the country are currently taking part in a national spiking week of intensification to highlight the issue as part of Freshers Week this week.