Responsible venues question why a national boycott is planned

Leading members of the night-time economy in the South West say they're suprised by plans by some to boycott some bars and clubs tonight, saying venues are constantly enhancing safety measures.

Devon and Cornwall Police are currently investigating reports that a woman suffered a needle attack on a night out in Exeter with similar investigations underway in Edinburgh and Leeds.

The boycott aims to raise awareness of the issue of drink spiking by people staying at home.

Catherine Macdonald, regional coordinator of Best Bar None in the South West, said: "Be rest assured if you're heading to a venue with a Best Bar None logo there you've got staff who are trained, they know how to look after you.

"They're aware of safeguarding and vulnerability and they can take care of you when you're in that venue if something happens or you;re concerned about something.

"If you're going to a private party and you're with people there where you might not necessarily know everybody you don't have that person that can take care of you - or take charge of that situation and look after you."

In 2019 Plymouth introduced a first-of-its kind free drink spike testing scheme, where venues could tell customers within minutes if a drink was safe.

It has since been rolled out to other venues across the police force area - with venues also increasing searching, staff training and other precautions to keep customers safe.

In Devon and Cornwall Ms Macdonald added: "They've all got their spiking kits within their venues they can test drinks so they're not just waiting for an allegation to take place they're actually using those kits to randomly test drinks that maybe have been left unattended just to make sure - and be extra vigilant."

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