A campaign group set to boycott Stirling's city centre pubs and clubs this weekend has launched two surveys looking at local spiking and how it is being addressed.
Reclaim Stirling, which campaigns against gender-based violence, has urged Stirling residents to take a stand against establishments which have failed to take appropriate action to tackle spiking on their premises by boycotting them this Halloween weekend.
The group is now conducting two online surveys - the first for staff in venues across Stirling and another for the general public.
A Reclaim Stirling spokesperson said: “We created the staff survey to get a read of how effectively the current approaches used by the many venues across the city. Most importantly, we wanted to see how these services/procedures are being carried out at different levels of the business.
“While we appreciate that some bars/venues do have safety procedures, this is not unanimously rolled out across Stirling. We are also appalled by some of the reports of people being dismissed/mocked by staff after disclosing an experience of spiking. This speaks to a wider culture in which spiking is not taken seriously, and where victims are not valued. Our boycott will continue until all venues in Stirling take these issues seriously.
“Our second survey is for the general public, as we wanted to get a read on how widespread the issue is, as well as how people who report spiking experience that process.
“It’s one thing to tell people places where they can report an incident of spiking, but if that process of reporting is harmful, traumatic or otherwise unhelpful then it isn’t enough.
“We have used some of the growing information from these surveys to make a pledge for companies to agree to should they wish to avoid being boycotted.
“We understand that Halloween is a crucial part of business, and we truly want everyone to have a good time - however, people have a right to be safe while doing so.”
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Among the conditions bars are being asked to agree to avoid the boycott are: participation in a roundtable with representatives from different Stirling security services, university groups, activist groups, victim support groups, emergency services etc, first focusing on spiking but moving on to prevention of other issues of inequality and violence in Stirling; and provision of safe spaces for anyone who may become vulnerable or incapacitated on the premise.
The spokesperson added: “Businesses have a responsibility to us to keep us safe on the premises. So many people in Stirling are impacted by violence that could be entirely prevented. Victims are let down when we fail to support them, or take their issues seriously.
“Too often, the weight of fighting against inequality falls on those most adversely affected. This cannot continue and if businesses wish to continue benefiting from our custom, we need these steps to be taken."
Following the recent reports of drink spiking in Stirling, members of the District of Stirling Licensing Board issued at statement.
Cllr Danny Gibson, chair of the board, said: “The board would strongly encourage people to report any concerns over drink spiking or injection to Police Scotland and they will be thoroughly investigated with all necessary action taken in response.
“Public safety is a key priority for all public agencies and the licensed trade. The board will continue to work with partners and the licensed trade through the Licensing Forum to enforce that message.
“The board expects all licence holders to strongly adhere to and promote the statutory licensing objective of securing public safety at all times.”
The Reclaim Stirling boycott will run until November 1, with an in-person protest in the town centre on Saturday October 30. Surveys will also be distributed over the coming days to gain insight into the experiences of customers and staff.
More information on the campaign at https://reclaimstirling.wordpress.com/
