Time to put a lid on drink spiking – Carrigy

It’s time to put a lid on drink spiking and end this abhorrent practice, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Longford Senator Micheál Carrigy has proposed that pubs and nightclubs make lids available for the drinks they serve in their premises to help protect people from the dangerous practice of drink spiking.

Senator Carrigy said, “Drink spiking is an extremely dangerous practice and unfortunately seems to be on the rise, with too many young people, mainly women, speaking of their experiences of this all over the country of late.

“I want to see pubs and clubs making lids available for the drinks served in their premises to help protect people from the dangerous practice of spiking.

“I am pleased to say this proposal has received a positive response so far from the Vintners Federation of Ireland, and they seem open to examining the idea.

“I recently brought Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to meet with both Longford Women’s Link, a domestic violence group and Comhairle na nÓg, to discuss issues of safety for women and young people. Fine Gael in Government is building stronger, safer communities and a big part of this is making sure that everyone is safe on our streets, including when out socialising at night-time.

“For example, Minister McEntee is working on a new Government strategy on gender-based violence, that will promote a zero-tolerance approach. All Government Departments will work together to implement this strategy and Fine Gael in Government has also ensured increased funding for an Garda Síochána to ensure we have more Gardaí policing the streets in our communities.

“Several of the groups we met proposed the introduction of lids for glasses in nightclubs or pubs. I believe this is very doable. Lids are provided for drinks in shops and cafes, so it can be done in pubs and clubs also.

“Minister McEntee has previously highlighted that drink spiking is a criminal offence, classified as poisoning and can lead to a three year prison sentence. I want to see a zero-tolerance approach to this crime, but I also believe that licensed premises can do their bit to help prevent this happening by making lids available for drinks. I look forward to future engagement with the Vintners Federation of Ireland on this matter.”