Spiking

What is spiking?

Spiking is when substances or alcohol are consumed without knowledge or consent and may lead to a person being vulnerable to harm and / or abuse.

In December 2023 the Revised Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 defines spiking as:

“The objective to crime under the Licensing Act 2003 would include taking measures to prevent incidents of spiking which would usually be prosecuted under section 23 and 24 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and section 61 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The following examples are within the range of behaviours that would be considered spiking. This list is not exhaustive:

• Putting alcohol into someone’s drink without their knowledge or permission
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink without their knowledge or permission
• Injecting another person with prescription or illegal drugs without their knowledge or permission
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person’s food without their knowledge or permission
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person’s cigarette or vape without their knowledge or permission.” (para 2.7)

Safer Communities Spiking Workshop

On Tuesday 21 December 2021, the Wales Safer Communities Network, with support from the Wales Violence Prevention Unit, hosted a Spiking Workshop to discuss the approaches being taken to tackle and reduce the risk of ‘spiking’ in Wales with public bodies, third sector organisations and private companies. The workshop gave an opportunity to share information from across Wales and ensure that there are no gaps being left between the different agencies and partnerships, ensuring there is a coordinated and joined up response. This workshop was the first of a number of workshops and discussions on the topic.

Spiking Workshop – Wales Safer Communities Network & Wales Violence Prevention Unit