Several bars and clubs across Leeds have spoken out about the recent outcries for more support and preventative measures for drink spiking across the UK.
Over the past few weeks, a staggering number of women have spoken out about their experience of being injected or having their drinks spiked on a night out.
Bars and clubs recognise that nobody should feel unsafe on a night out and many, including the likes of Pryzm, Mint and Hi-Fi have addressed their clientele to share their new security procedures, which they hope will help to combat drink spiking in their venues.
The response comes after the organisation of Girls Night In, an event being held this Wednesday to make a stand against drink spiking and violence, particularly towards women. The boycott of bars and clubs for one night hopes to address clubs and bars on a national level to reform their security process, including bags searches to prevent needles or drink.
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Przym Leeds
Club venue Pryzm, which has a chain of nightclubs across the UK, were one of the first hospitality businesses to address drink spiking and have listed a range of ways that they are working with the public to tackle this problem.
Fully training staff on drink spiking, actively implementing the 'Ask Angela' scheme and use of extensive CCTV footage are just some of the measures in place.
The chain also stated that they will be providing 'anti-spiking bottle stoppers and protective drink covers' upon request once they are back in stock. Customers that wish to use one in their drink should ask at the bar when ordering.
Use of a phone and phone chargers are also available upon request. Przym state that they are happy to call a friend, family member or a taxi for their customers free to charge in their recent Facebook post.
The Old Red Bus Station
The Old Red Bus Station are having extended meetings with their team to try and tackle drink spiking. / Image: The Old Red Bus Station
Local bar, The Old Red Bus Station, have also released a statement.
"The Old Red Bus Station is committed to maintaining a safe environment for our guests and staff and as a part of this process, we have had extended meetings with our security team and our on-site medical team to ensure we are doing everything to continue keeping our patrons safe.
We will be releasing in-depth guidance around the venue to raise awareness and will be happy to respond to any questions that you may have. At Old Red, there is CCTV across the venue and we have rigorous checks in place at the door. We are also involved in the “Ask for Angela” scheme and will be undertaking further staff training in the coming weeks."
Hifi Club Leeds
The local club state that they are "fully behind" the Girls Night In movement in Leeds and are "absolutely committed to ensuring that their space is a safe environment for everyone".
Drink covers are going to be provided to customers as soon as possible and security have been briefed to carry out more searches. CCTV is in place and anyone caught spiking drinks will not only be banned from the venue for life, but they will also be handed over to the police.
Mint Warehouse
Mint Warehouse have issued a statement to customers about drink spiking. / Image: Mint Warehouse
Mint Warehouse have also spoken out against the rise of spiking in nightclubs and bars and reassured customers that they are committing to making their venue a "safe space for everyone".
The club have added extra security, including female door supervisors and are looking into introducing body worn cameras to act as an additional deterrent. The club are also advising their customers to "stick with friends; don't leave drinks unattended and don't accept drinks from strangers".
Secret Krush
The Backroom management team at Secret Krush "pride themselves on several key safety measures", stating that:
"We frequently test and train our staff and management teams to recognise & support vulnerable females; quite often we’ll pay for taxis home for them if we can’t find their friends to help them".
Working closely with the local police and BACIL, full CCTV and "the strictest door policy in the city" are some of their other policies that hope to curb the rise in drink spiking. The popular venue also underlined the importance of training staff and keeping drinks close to avoid any tampering.
"As soon as you put your drink down whether it has a cover or not there is always a risk of someone tampering with it, so please don’t leave it unattended. Sadly, there’s no fool proof solution against drinks tampering, but making sure we let the right people in, conducting thorough searches and having plenty of trained staff are key."
If you have been affected by any of the issues that have been brought up in this article, please reach out to #AskForAngela, Street Angels Leeds, Good Night Out Campaign, Not on my Campus UK, Women’s Lives in Leeds or Nightlife Crew.
From nights out to trips to the beach, Rebel Roots Theatre Company's latest production explores how spiking can change lives and why young people need to hear its message.
Imagine heading out with your mates, having what should be a brilliant night, only for one decision to change everything.
It's an uncomfortable thought, but it's one that Leeds-based Rebel Roots Theatre Company is bringing to the forefront with Aftermath, a play written by Lottie Burns that explores the devastating impact of spiking on individuals and their families.
At the centre of the story is Layla, a young woman preparing to leave home for university, and her father, David, who must confront the realities of women's safety as his daughter prepares to start a new chapter.
But Layla isn't the only one affected. Her brother Ethan is also spiked by his own friends during a trip to the beach, opening up another side to a conversation that often focuses predominantly on women.
His experience challenges the assumption that spiking is exclusively a women's issue, highlighting how men can also become victims, sometimes at the hands of people they trust. It raises important questions about male friendships, peer pressure and the way harmful behaviour can be dismissed as a joke.
Written by Burns while studying at Leeds Conservatoire, the play was inspired by growing concerns about spiking in 2021 and the way these fears were changing women's experiences of nights out.
Through Layla, Ethan and their father, David, Aftermath looks beyond the incident itself to explore its wider consequences, from damaged relationships to the difficult conversations that follow.
And it's exactly why this production deserves to reach young people in colleges and universities.
For many, heading to university means newfound independence, making new friends and experiencing student nightlife for the first time. Taking Aftermath into educational settings could help open young people's eyes to the realities of spiking, encouraging conversations around consent, trust, peer pressure and supporting those affected.
Rather than simply telling students to watch their drinks, the production offers an opportunity to understand the human consequences through a story they can connect with. It could also challenge audiences to reconsider their own behaviour and recognise when something that seems like a joke can have serious consequences.
The project has also received support from anti-spiking organisation CounterSpike. Rebel Roots Theatre Company is passionate about taking theatre beyond traditional venues, bringing new writing and important stories into pubs, community spaces and other accessible settings.
Ultimately, Aftermath is about more than one night out. It's about trust, family and the lasting impact of experiences that can affect anyone.
And if bringing this story into a college or university helps even one young person rethink their actions or better understand what someone else might go through, it's a conversation worth having.
We’re sure this production will enjoy another run thanks to its important message and core values. But if you want to catch it for yourself, you can see it this Saturday, 24 October, at The Attic in Leeds. It’s a pay-what-you-can event, starting at 7:30 pm, so don’t miss out.
Featured image - Supplied
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Sophie Smith -
25th October 2021 
