The Home Office has updated the law to clarify that spiking, defined as the act of putting drugs or alcohol into someone’s drink or body without their consent, is a criminal offense. However, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has expressed disappointment that spiking has not been made a specific offense. Michael Kill, the CEO of the NTIA, said that this failure to recognize spiking as a distinct crime was disheartening and did not reflect the need to address this growing concern.
Kill argued that ignoring spiking as a specific crime belies the gravity and far-reaching impact of the criminal activity. He added that it also undermines the ability to gather accurate data and develop targeted strategies to tackle this menace. Although the NTIA had welcomed the Home Office’s initial commitment to modernize spiking laws, this decision means that the new measures announcement falls significantly short of expectations.
Earlier this year, the government had ruled out making spiking a specific offense with Health Office minister Sarah Dines deeming it unnecessary as there are other crimes in place that cover spiking “by drink, needle, vape, cigarette, food or any other known form.” Nevertheless, the new measures include the training of hundreds more door staff to spot potential offenders and signs that someone has been spiked, investment in research of testing kits, intensive operations carried out by the police in key weeks when spiking tends to be more prevalent.
Besides, an online tool will be rolled out to police forces that make it easier to report spiking anonymously. These measures aim to tackle the rising cases of spiking and improve safety in society. However, the absence of specific legislation against spiking has disappointed many and places initiatives launched at the time at a distinct disadvantage
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