Contributing to the Welsh Conservative Senedd debate on the need to combat the scourge of drink spiking in Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders MS - the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy - has called for a rapid stakeholder-led review to better understand the needs of the night-time industry in addressing concerns and training staff, as well as to gain a truer picture of the number of injection spiking incidents taking place.
Research from StopTopps conducted earlier this year reveals 38% of respondents have been a victim of drink spiking at least once, of which 98% didn’t report the crime to police. On a local level, in North Wales, police have received 22 reports of spiking so far in 2021 leading to only one arrest. In 2020, there were 18 reports and zero arrests.
Addressing her calls outside of the Siambr, Janet said:
“Spiking is a modern phenomenon that strikes at the very core of my concerns about safeguarding the well-being of our loved ones when they are out and enjoying our hospitality venues. Clubs are taking action to distribute protective drink toppers and young women are donning denim jackets to prevent unwanted injections.
“To disorientate and risk unconsciousness through spiking a person’s drink is a diabolical and such a cowardly act by a minority of individuals that is now threatening the safety of our young people and the viability of our excellent night-time industry operators.
“The seriousness of the situation requires the Welsh Government to undertake a rapid and stakeholder-led review to find out the true number of needle spiking in Wales and explore ways that venues can take preventative measures. We also need confirmation that such discussions would be used to update the Substance Misuse Delivery Plan 2019-2022.
“I pay tribute to those young campaigners who have worked to highlight this concern, as well to the proactive work undertaken by industry professionals and those prepared to step up admission searches.
“But I remain resolute that Welsh Government should play a role in assisting efforts to combat this issue, including by supporting the enhancement of CCTV to aid with evidence collection and providing assistance in the training of staff on how to spot and deal with spiking incidents.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
