BBPA warns Gov drink spiking changes ‘must be based on evidence’

The BBPA has responded to the home office’s targeted consultation on proposed changes to Licensing Act guidance, saying measures must be “based on actual evidence” and warning against “imposing general conditions”.

The home office’s consultation on changes aims to prevent incidents of drink spiking at licensed venues.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Tackling drink spiking, is an important issue and one that our members take extremely seriously as part of their wider responsibility to ensure pubs are safe and welcoming spaces for customers and team members, and we support incorporation of drinks spiking within this guidance.

“However, any measures introduced to prevent incidents and to support victims must be based on actual evidence, so that they are both effective and proportionate. Partnership working, staff training, and customer awareness are key and more effective than imposing general conditions on all venues, which we would not support at this point.”