Agenda item - Chair's Communications

26.1    I would like to talk to you about spiking incidents which have had considerable interest throughout the city in recent months.  Following an increase in reported spiking incidents in October and November last year, the Police and Safe Space have seen a significant decrease in reported incidents.  Police investigations are continuing and both the Council and the Police are very conscious that spiking by alcohol or drugs is an ongoing issue and despite a drop in reported incidents, we are committed to addressing the problem by raising awareness and giving advice and support as well as taking enforcement action. 

            Guidance was put together by the Police in October 2021 and sent out to as many licensed premises as possible as soon as it was recognised there was an increase in reports being made.  This guidance was disseminated in a number of ways but the main route was through the partnership working with Brighton and Hove Business Crime Reduction Partnership and colleagues in the council’s Licensing team.  In addition, round table meetings were held with venues and security companies to share best practice.

            Many venues have purchased products to cover drinks, increased searches on entry, increased door and bar staff and brought in medics to make their venues as safe as possible in a bid to install confidence that they are doing as much as they can do to try keep people safe.  Many venues and some mobile support units have also purchased drinks spiking test kits. 

Public Health colleagues are currently working with universities and colleges to send an update of the current situation and provide advice and links on promoting safety as well as reporting incidents to the Police.