Anti drink

Apr 26, 2023

Hundreds of free anti-spiking kits are set to be handed out to bars, pubs and clubs in Barnstaple and beyond as part of an alcohol safety initiative backed by North Devon Council.

Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District has put together 500 kits containing spiking deterrents after receiving funding from North Devon Council's Community Sparks fund.

The packs contain two different deterrents - Spikeys and StopTopps. Spikeys are fluorescent bottle stoppers that fit inside the top of a bottle and contain a small straw-sized hole in the centre. Once a Spikey is inserted into a bottle it cannot be removed. StopTopps are self-adhesive foil lids with a pre-cut straw hole which fit over glasses, bottles and cans.

The packs will be distributed to licensed premises at regular intervals by Devon and Cornwall Police's Licensing Officer. Soroptimist members will also be distributing them at events throughout the summer and working with Petroc's student support team to educate students around alcohol and spiking awareness.

Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District has regularly provided kits to premises, as well as distributing at events including Bideford Diversity Festival as a means of raising awareness. By accessing funds through Community Sparks, it is hoped the project will continue to improve the safety of those enjoying the town's pubs and clubs, whether they are drinking alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

Barnstaple Town Centre Manager, Hannah Harrington, says: "The kits put together by Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District are packed with simple deterrents which not only provide peace of mind to those enjoying our evening and night time economy, but are hugely effective in combatting drink spiking. We are delighted to be able to support this initiative through our Community Sparks fund and ensure the distribution of these kits is able to continue into the future."

Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District's Irene Hockin says: "We, Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District, have been distributing bags of Spikeys and StopTopps for a few years now. They are deterrents to those intending to tamper with drinks and safety aids to those whose drinks might be unattended, even for the shortest of times.

"There are many stories told locally of possible, and probable, spiking incidents. It is important that these are reported to police and that those who make the reports follow them through. By not proceeding, those responsible are left to commit this crime again on another unsuspecting victim who may not be in a position to respond or react.

"Our aim is to prevent this crime and to raise awareness of it. If we help to save one youngster from harm by him or her using these deterrents, our continuation of this initiative will have been worth it."

Soroptimist International Barnstaple and District are part of a worldwide women's service organisation which aims to improve the lives of women and girls at a local, national and international level.

The Community Sparks fund is part of Barnstaple Safer Streets, a series of projects and initiatives designed to prevent antisocial behaviour and incidents of violence against women and girls, as well as increasing feelings of safety in the town.

To find out more about Barnstaple Safer Streets and the projects involved as part of the scheme, visit the Barnstaple - Streets Ahead webpage.