Bars could be forced to search customers to beat spiking menace

PUBS, bars and clubs could be forced to search their customers for spiking paraphernalia as Manchester council looks to change its licensing regime.

- JOSEPH TIMAN

The local authority will look at whether conditions could be placed on venues to ensure they have appropriate security and staff training to prevent spiking.

It follows a sharp rise in spiking cases in the city last month which led to hundreds of women and young people protesting in St Peter's Square.

There were approximately 117 reports of spiking in October alone with 57 in one week - compared to just 18 in 2019, according to councillor Sam Lynch.

Labour councillors set out how they want to 'stamp out spiking' in a motion which received cross-party support at a meeting on Wednesday, December 1.

Coun Lynch said she hopes more venues will offer test kits and lids for drinks.