The Night Time Industries Association has welcomed an announcement by the UK government that it will seek to amend legislation to strengthen laws against drink and needle spiking - where a person puts drugs into another person's drink or directly into their body with their knowledge or consent.
“We welcome the Home Office's commitment to modernise spiking laws, a cause that our association has ardently advocated for over the past few years", says NTIA CEO Michael Kill. "The acknowledgement by the Home Secretary James Cleverly of the gravity of spiking as an offence is a significant milestone".
Several different areas of legislation outlaw spiking. However, there is not currently a single specific offence with which to prosecute those who commit the crime. The Home Office says it will amend the Criminal Justice Bill and update the Offences Against The Person Act to provide more clarity in the law. Separate statutory guidance - likely to be issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 - will also provide a "clear" and "unequivocal" definition of spiking.
Confirming these moves, Cleverly said: "The public should be under no illusion - spiking is a serious offence and I urge anyone who suspects they have been a victim of this to contact the police now".
Kill added: "This legislative move is a testament to the collective efforts of our association, parliamentarians, the industry and key stakeholders who have tirelessly collaborated to challenge the prevalence of this heinous crime. The planned statutory guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the commitment to providing an unequivocal definition of spiking reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing this pressing issue".
"Our association remains dedicated to working alongside the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the effective implementation of these vital measures", he concluded.
"The proactive stance taken by the Home Office is a positive step towards creating a safer environment within nightlife establishments and broader society, and we are optimistic about the positive impact these legislative changes will have on the overall safety and well-being of patrons during the festive season and beyond".