Queen's University Belfast has teamed up with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to launch a new initiative to help prevent drink spiking in bars and clubs in Belfast.
The 'Drink Check' initiative was launched during Freshers Week and aims to provide reassurance, raise awareness, and deter potential drink spikers.
The university's neighbourhood engagement team spearheaded the initiative after listening to concerns raised by students who were worried about potential drink spiking.
Queen's has bought specialist drink spiking test kits and partnered with the PSNI to distribute and manage them across 33 popular Belfast venues.
There will be posters in each venue making it clear that drink testing is available onsite. Venues have also been supplied with drink testing strips. If the test indicates spiking, the PSNI will be notified.
All venues have also been provided with 'Ask for Angela' materials, which allows patrons to use a code word to seek help from bar staff if they feel unsafe or vulnerable.
Amy Smith, Queen's Students' Union President, said the initiative is about prevention and reassurance.
"We know that spiking is a concern for students, so it's great to see the university listening and taking proactive steps to make sure it doesn't become an issue," she said.
"The 'Drink Check' initiative is another way of making our city even safer."
PSNI Superintendent Allister Hagan said that while they do not see evidence of widespread or routine drink spiking, they understand the concern it causes.
She said every report is taken seriously and there is a bespoke response plan to support victims and pursue offenders.
"This initiative provides reassurance that there is an additional safeguard for those enjoying the night-time economy, and it complements the wide range of harm prevention measures already in place," she said.
"Our Crime Prevention Team works closely with licensees and trade bodies to ensure effective use of CCTV and robust incident response plans. Licensed premises continue to play a vital role in safety, supported by SIA-trained staff who have received bespoke training and are routinely deployed across the sector.
"Alongside this, police and partners promote initiatives such as ‘Ask for Angela’ and safe spaces, as well as engaging directly with young people about personal safety.
"Together, these measures help build confidence that Northern Ireland’s night-time economy is vibrant, welcoming and safe."
Police continue to encourage anyone who has concerns about their safety or who believes they may have been a victim of drink spiking to seek help immediately and report the matter to police or a member of staff.
The full list of participating venues includes:
-The Queen's Students' Union Bar
-The Botanic Inn
-The Hatfield
-Bootleggers
-The Points
-Thompsons
-Lavery’s
-Limelight
-Lux Nightclub
-The Maverick
-Happy’s Belfast
-The Marcus Ward
-Kremlin
-Revolution De Cuba
-Wetherspoons
-Liquid
-The Harp Bar
-The Duke of York
-Haymarket
-White’s Tavern
-The Dirty Onion
-The Thirsty Goat
-The Parlour
-Common Market
-39 Gordon Street
-Beehive
-The Telegraph Building
-The Dark Horse
-The Crown
-Brennans’ Bar
-The Empire,
-Robinsons
-Benedicts
