Administering alcohol or drugs into someone’s food or drink is a crime. Otherwise known as Spiking, the legal definition is as follows:

“It is a crime to maliciously administer, cause to administer or cause to be taken by any other person any poison or destructive or noxious thing, such as to endanger their life, cause them grievous bodily harm, or intentionally injure, aggrieve, or annoy them.”

Types of Spiking include:

  • Putting Alcohol into someone’s drink without their knowledge or permission
  • Putting prescription or illegal drugs into someone’s alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink without their knowledge or permission
  • Injecting someone with prescription or illegal drugs without their knowledge or permission
  • Putting prescription or Illegal drugs into someone’s food without their knowledge or permission
  • Putting prescription or illegal drugs into someone’s cigarette or vape without their knowledge or permission.

Where is spiking likely to happen?

Typically, spiking happens in places such as bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, sporting events and parties – however, it can happen anywhere. 

In 2023, most drink spiking incidents occurred in bars (41%) and clubs (28%), than in any other locations.

Spiking statistics:

Between May 2022 and April 2023, police received 6,732 reports of spiking – 957 of these were administered through an injection. On average, spiking is reported 561 times a month (2.3% from females and 2.1% from males).

It was recorded that in 2023, gender and sexual minorities are twice as likely to fall victim to spiking, and that females are more likely to be spiked in clubs (37%) than bars (33%).

What are the current laws surrounding spiking?

The law on spiking is currently set out in s.24 of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861. The offence holds a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.

Sir Kier Starmer has revealed he is aiming to make spiking a standalone criminal offence. He has made proposals for venue staff to be specifically trained to deal with such situations, including supporting victims and gathering evidence, and has made spiking the centre point for his new plan to make UK streets safer for women and girls.

Signs that someone has been spiked:

It’s not always easy to tell if your drink has been spiked, but if you notice any differences in its taste or appearance, stop drinking it immediately. If you’re in a bar or club, alert the staff or security immediately.

Symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hallucinations and paranoia
  • Disorientation or poor coordination
  • Loss of ability to communicate properly

How can I protect myself from spiking?

To ensure your safety and that of your friends, be sure to follow these tips:

  • Be cautious when accepting drinks from other people, especially someone you don’t know.
  • Never take a drink that you haven’t seen being prepared in front of you
  • Consider drinking bottled drinks and avoid sharing your drinks with others.
  • Always keep an eye on yours and your friends’ drinks and avoid leaving them unattended.
  • If you suspect your drink has been spiked, do not drink it, and be sure to inform a trusted friend or member of staff ASAP.

The FRANK website offers good advice on how to protect yourself from spiking on a night out: https://www.talktofrank.com/news/spiking