What every UK hospitality team should know about drink spiking

Drink spiking is a growing concern in the UK hospitality industry—and licensed venues are increasingly being called on to take action. With thousands of incidents reported each year and new legislation under review, frontline teams must be prepared to recognise the signs, protect patrons, and respond appropriately.

For hospitality leaders, this isn’t just a safety issue. It’s a matter of compliance, duty of care, and public trust.

The scale of the problem

Spiking occurs when alcohol or drugs are added to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent. It’s a criminal offence—and it's happening more often than many realise.

In 2022–23 alone, 6,732 spiking offences were recorded by police forces across the UK. Most incidents occur in public venues such as bars, pubs, and nightclubs, and while young women are disproportionately affected, anyone can be a victim.

Common misconceptions still persist: that spiking only involves illicit drugs, that it’s confined to nightclubs, or that it’s easily spotted. In reality, alcohol is the most commonly used spiking substance, often added to non-alcoholic drinks or used to increase the strength of alcoholic ones without consent.

Why licensed venues must act

Spiking is illegal under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and licensed venues have a legal obligation under the Licensing Act 2003 to prevent crime and protect public safety.

But there’s also growing public and political pressure for change. The UK Government is currently reviewing whether to introduce spiking as a standalone offence, following recommendations from the Home Affairs Committee and campaigns from victims and advocacy groups.

For hospitality venues, this means:

• Increased scrutiny from local authorities
• Higher expectations for staff awareness and action
• A clear need to demonstrate proactive safety measures

Failing to do so could result in reputational damage, license reviews, or worse.

Spotting the signs of drink spiking

Staff play a crucial role in early detection. Symptoms can appear rapidly and may include:

• Feeling drunk after consuming little or no alcohol
• Confusion or disorientation
• Sudden drowsiness or passing out
• Loss of motor control or balance
• Sweating, chills, or teeth chattering
• Memory gaps or blackouts

These signs can be mistaken for ordinary intoxication, but the effects of spiking often come on more quickly and severely—especially when drugs are involved.

The rule of thumb? If in doubt, treat the situation seriously and sensitively.

Prevention starts with preparation

Hospitality venues can take several steps to reduce the risk of drink spiking:

• Enhance visibility: Increase floor checks and glass collection during busy periods.
• Offer protective options: Provide drink covers or stoppers and use tamper-resistant glassware.
• Raise awareness: Display safety posters and train staff to talk confidently with guests.
• Be search smart: Communicate search policies clearly and apply them respectfully.
• Stock testing kits: Make them available in case spiking is suspected.
• Empower your team: Ensure staff know how to respond if they witness a drink being tampered with—or suspect someone has been spiked.

These actions not only help prevent harm but also demonstrate a clear commitment to patron welfare.

Training is key to confidence and compliance

To support venues in building safer environments, Allara Global has launched a new Drink Spiking Awareness course, built specifically for hospitality teams.

This short, practical course covers:

• What drink spiking is and how it happens
• How to recognise the symptoms of drink spiking
• How to identify guests who may be most at risk
• What to do if someone shows signs of being spiked
• How to respond if you witness drink tampering
• Your legal and ethical responsibilities
• Practical steps to help prevent drink spiking in your venue

The course takes just 15–20 minutes, making it easy to roll out as part of your compliance or onboarding program.

Final thoughts

Drink spiking isn’t just a headline—it’s a real and rising threat in hospitality venues across the UK. But with the right training and proactive measures, your team can make a genuine difference.