Laura Sharman 26 April 2022

MPs urge licensing authorities to use powers to tackle spiking

MPs urge licensing authorities to use powers to tackle spiking image
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

Local authorities have been urged to use their licensing powers to ensure venues take action to prevent spiking incidents and keep customers safe by MPs.

The Home Affairs Committee warned that spiking will remain an 'invisible crime' unless action is taken, with most victims not receiving enough support after the incident.

It is calling for local licensing authorities to use their powers to ensures venues have adequate security and staff trained to identify spiking incidents.

The committee also wants local authorities to develop anti-spiking strategies that require venues with a bad track record for spiking to take improvement measures as part of their licence renewal.

Other recommendations include better data to determine how often and where spiking cases occur, the creation of a new spiking criminal offence, improvements to forensic testing for potential spiking victims, and more awareness about spiking.

Chair of the committee, Dame Diana Johnson, said: 'Spiking is an insidious act. Victims will often have little idea of what has happened, who spiked them, when it occurred or what has been put in their system. They are left with feelings of self-doubt and vulnerability. Yet, while the threat is well known, little has been done to prevent it from happening.

'There needs to be a concerted effort to stamp out spiking. Much more work needs to be done to improve understanding and awareness so that people are reassured that the help will be there should they need it. They need to know that they will be taken seriously and action taken.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Early Years Practitioner

North East Lincolnshire Council
£24,796 FTE
Do you have a passion for delivering high quality care and guidance? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Trainee Trading Standards Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC11 - £28,142
If you’re someone who’s curious, community-minded and keen to make a real difference, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Communications Support Officer - Children's Fostering Team

North East Lincolnshire Council
£25,583
Create content with heart and soul to make a real, lasting difference North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Oracle Systems Administrator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£51429 - £58140 per annum
Help shape the backbone of our services - and build smarter systems for a stronger borough.Help shape the backbone of our services - and build smarter England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Health & Safety Advisor

Wakefield Council
£39,152.00 - £41,771.00, Grade 9, 37 hours, Permanent
Wakefield Council’s Health & Safety team now have an exciting opportunity for a Health & Safety Adviser. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner