Alcohol and Spiking

All staff should be trained to recognise and respond to alcohol-related harm, vulnerability, distress and suspected spiking.

The safety and welfare of any person who is intoxicated, distressed or otherwise vulnerable must be the first consideration when deciding how to respond, including whether it is appropriate to ask them to leave the premises.

Intoxication can increase vulnerability. Staff should be alert to guests who appear:

  • confused

  • distressed

  • unusually drowsy

  • unable to stand

  • unable to speak clearly

  • significantly more intoxicated than the person they are with

This may indicate alcohol-related harm, drug use, medical distress or suspected spiking. The guest may be unable to make informed decisions or keep themselves safe.

Alcohol is never an excuse for abuse, violence or sexual activity without consent. Staff should take concerns about domestic abuse, sexual assault, harassment or vulnerability seriously and should never dismiss behaviour because someone has been drinking.

If a guest is found collapsed, unconscious, semi-conscious, having difficulty breathing, fitting, seriously unwell, or unable to be roused, call 999 immediately and request an ambulance. A first aider should also be called while waiting for emergency services.

If staff believe an adult is buying or obtaining alcohol for a person under 18, this should be escalated to the duty manager and, where appropriate, reported to the police on 101. If there is an immediate risk to a child or young person, call 999.

Hotel and licensed premises staff have the right to refuse service and, where appropriate, ask a guest to leave the bar or premises. It is an offence under section 141 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly sell, attempt to sell, or allow alcohol to be sold to a person who is drunk.

Spiking

Spiking is an offence under the Crime and Police Act 2026. It can include giving someone alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs or another harmful substance without their knowledge or consent. Examples include:

  • adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink

  • adding a substance to someone’s food

  • adding a substance to a cigarette or vape

  • injecting someone with a substance using a needle or other device

Drink spiking is the most commonly recognised form and can include:

  • putting a substance into a drink

  • increasing the alcohol content of a drink

  • putting alcohol into a non-alcoholic drink

The symptoms of spiking can vary depending on the substance used, the amount taken, and the individual affected. Symptoms can appear quickly and may include:

  • confusion or disorientation

  • dizziness, faintness or loss of balance

  • drowsiness or unconsciousness

  • nausea or vomiting

  • hallucinations or paranoia

  • poor coordination or difficulty walking

  • difficulty speaking or communicating

  • changes to vision

  • memory loss or blackouts

  • appearing much more intoxicated than expected

Symptoms may appear within minutes. In suspected drink spiking, the main visible sign may be sudden or unexpected over-intoxication. Staff must therefore be able to recognise signs of alcohol-related distress and respond quickly.

Testing kits and evidence

Although self-testing kits are widely available online, they are not currently recommended by the police. This is because they may be unreliable and have several limitations, including:

  • failing to detect drugs or drug concentrations that are present

  • failing to identify all variations of a particular drug type

  • producing inaccurate results where other substances in the drink interfere with the test

  • only testing for specific substances, meaning other harmful substances may go undetected

  • being unable to confirm the quantity, strength or purity of any substance detected

If a drink, food item, vape, cigarette or other item may have been spiked or contaminated, staff should preserve it as potential evidence. Do not discard it. Secure it safely so it cannot be consumed, tampered with or accidentally thrown away. Where possible, record:

  • the date and time

  • where the item was found

  • who handled it

  • the name or description of the victim

  • any suspect description

  • relevant CCTV times

  • names of witnesses or staff involved.

Drink covers may be used to identify and protect a suspected spiked drink, prevent contamination, and alert staff that the item must be retained.

Immediate response to suspected spiking

If a guest reports spiking, or staff suspect that a guest has been spiked, staff should act quickly and remember STEP:

Secure evidence: Cover and keep the drink/ container, preserve anything involved and note key times and observations

Take to safety: Move the person to a safe space, stay with them, and don’t let them leave alone or with someone unknown

Empathise: Stay calm, believe the person, be non-judgemental

Phone 999, say: ‘Suspected spiking at [venue]’, request police and ambulance and give the operator the below information

Staff should not attempt to assess or treat the person themselves. If you suspect someone may have been spiked, act quickly. Call 999 immediately so the Police and emergency services can support the victim and wait with the person in a safe place until help arrives.

Reminder: The City of London Police Licensing Team provides support and training to licensed premises and undertakes compliance and covert testing activity.