Yesterday, NSW Police Force announced a roll-out of trial drink coasters and single-use drink covers to licensed venues, giving priority to those in the Sydney WorldPride precinct.
This expansion of the ‘Drink Safe’ campaign follows an increase in reports of drink spiking.
“The commonality of incidents reported to police is that victims find it difficult to recall the events of the night and the effects they experience are not consistent with the number of drinks consumed,” said NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden.
The self-adhesive covers and coasters depict anti-drink spiking messages and are designed so patrons can socialise, get up and dance without fear of their drink being spiked.
Assistant Commissioner McFadden said he hopes these will be a “conversation starter” and raise awareness of the issue.
Drink or food spiking carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and/or an $11,000 fine in NSW.
Assistant Commissioner McFadden said that in cases when spiking is a precursor to crimes like sexual assault, “the offence rightfully carries a much higher penalty.”
“For those who think they can slip something in someone’s drink and take advantage of them, they should know they could spend the next quarter of a century behind bars,” he said.
Section 38 of the NSW Crimes Act, ‘using intoxicating substance to commit an indictable offence’ carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.
“The priority for anyone who suspects their drink had been spiked is to seek urgent medical assistance and in a life-threatening situation, contact Triple Zero.
“In cases where the victim has also been taken somewhere without their knowledge, I encourage them to get to a safe place and call the police immediately.
“For all other instances, make a police report as soon as possible. It is vital for investigators to start gathering evidence quickly, so they can track down the person/s responsible before they harm someone else.”
“While cases of drink spiking using drugs such as benzodiazepines, GHB or ketamine are rare – the most common type of spiking is with alcohol.”
The new drink covers are manufactured in a recyclable material which is compliant with the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021.
ACT Policing said it has no plans to introduce a similar campaign against drink spiking in Canberra, as incidents here are purportedly low.
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