How a new anti-drink spiking scheme is helping people to stay safe

A national scheme which protects people from having their drinks ‘spiked’ with drugs and other substances is being piloted in Bridgend town centre over Christmas and the New Year.

Launched by the Safer Bridgend Community Partnership as festive celebrations get underway, the Stoptopps scheme aims to provide people with greater reassurance on a night out.

Featuring a versatile drink-protector which can be placed over a glass to deter people from attempting to spike a drink, Safer Bridgend have purchased 10,000 of the attachable tops and have delivered them to pubs, bars and nightclubs throughout Bridgend town centre.

The tops are free of charge and can be requested at the bar when buying a drink.

Drink spiking has received a lot of media attention nationally. While it is thankfully not a common local issue, it remains important to take steps to enhance the safety of anyone who may be planning a night out.

I would like to reassure people that the Stoptopps scheme is mainly a preventative measure to help people feel safer while enjoying themselves, and that police officers will also have a high-visibility presence in the town centre over the festive season.

Councillor Stuart Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Communities

Earlier this year, Safer Bridgend introduced ‘Ask Angela’, a code-phrase that tells pub and nightclub staff in Bridgend County Borough when someone requires help and immediate support. To find out more about the ‘Ask Angela’ scheme, visit the local authority’s website. More information on Stoptopps can be found on their website.