What Is Spiking for Door Supervisors?
London Security College
April 28, 2025
By London Security College Is Your Licence Near to Expire? SIA Refresher Training + First
By London Security College
What Is Spiking for Door Supervisors?
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What Is Spiking for Door Supervisors?
Recognising, responding to, and Preventing Drink and Needle Spiking Incidents
Spiking is a dangerous and illegal act that poses serious risks to public safety. Whether it’s drink spiking, needle spiking, or vape/cigarette spiking, door supervisors play a key frontline role in preventing incidents, protecting victims, and identifying offenders.
We’ll explain what spiking is, the legal consequences, symptoms, and how door supervisors can help safeguard the public from spiking incidents.
What Is Spiking?
Spiking is when someone adds alcohol, drugs, or another substance to a person’s drink, food, vape, or body without their consent. This includes:
- Adding substances to a person’s drink or food secretly
- Adding more alcoholthan the person agreed to (e.g., double shots)
- Vape or cigarette spiking
- Needle spiking(direct injection into the body)
Learn more about needle spiking symptoms and effects at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spiking/
What Does the Law Say About Spiking?
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:
- Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is illegal to administer substances to overpower someone for sexual activity.
- Under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, it is illegal to administer poison with intent to cause harm maliciously.
In Scotland, spiking is prosecutable under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 and common law drugging offences.
The maximum sentence for someone charged with spiking can be up to 10 years in prison or more if the offence includes sexual assault or GBH.
Signs That a Drink Has Been Spiked
While most substances used in spiking are colourless, odourless, and tasteless, look out for:
- Unusual smell or taste
- Cloudy drinks, fizzy unexpectedly, or show a separation line.
Spiking Symptoms: How to Tell If Someone’s Been Spiked
Common symptoms of spiking include:
- Confusion, slurred speech
- Sudden tiredness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or hallucinations
- Loss of bladder control or unresponsiveness
- Localised pain or bruising (in cases of needle spiking)
Find more at:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/head-and-neck-injuries/drink-and-drug-spiking
Signs of Someone Attempting to Spike a Drink
Watch out for behaviour like:
- Offering strangers unsolicited drinks
- Hovering near another person’s drink
- Swapping drinks or secretly adding liquids
- Distracting or isolating a potential victim
Who Is Most at Risk of Spiking?
People at higher risk include those who are:
- Intoxicated or alone
- Receiving unwanted attention
- Isolated, separated from friends, or vulnerable
- Living with mental ill-health, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities
How Door Supervisors Can Help Prevent Spiking
To protect customers, door supervisors and venues should:
- Implement a spiking prevention policy
- Provide trainingto staff
- Offer anti-spiking bottle stoppersand drink covers
- Remove unattended drinks
- Encourage safe drinking habits (e.g., keep thumb over bottle tops)
- Refuse to serve drinks on someone else’s behalf
- Use CCTV, conduct regular patrols, and monitor for unusual behaviour
Remind customers that spiking includes adding extra alcohol without consent, and it is a criminal offence.
How to Manage a Spiking Incident
If someone appears to have been spiked:
- Prioritise their welfare– provide First Aid or call an ambulance if needed.
- Safeguard them– assess if they are safe to leave or need support.
- Secure evidence– keep the drink/bottle and report it to the police.
- Gather CCTV and witness statements.
- Documenteverything in the incident book.
- Ask questions– who are they with? Do they know them? Are their companions concerned or acting suspiciously?
If you suspect foul play, delay their exit to ensure it is safe, and if necessary, provide the police with a complete description.
Spiking is a growing concern in the UK. Door supervisors are uniquely positioned to spot the signs, respond quickly, and protect the public. With the proper training, vigilance, and procedures, we can stamp out spiking together.
If you’re interested in anti-spiking training or guidance for your venue, contact us at London Security College.
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