Wednesday 13-10-2021 - 12:37

We are deeply concerned to learn of reports of drink spiking targeting the student community in Manchester. There is no excuse for this serious criminal act of aggression. The Union operates a zero-tolerance policy towards drink spiking and will take the strongest action available to anyone caught attempting to contaminate anyone’s drink in our premises. If you are found to have committed any unlawful act such as spiking drinks we will contact the police immediately along with any available evidence, report the incident to the University and you will be banned from the venue. The University also operate a zero-tolerance policy on drink spiking.*

Resources are available for those who require further education on sexual misconduct and consent.

We employ a number of active measures to prevent drink spiking in The Union, including staff training, bottle stops and external security. Drink spiking means adding intoxicating substances to someone’s drink without their knowledge, usually drugs or additional alcohol. If you suspect anyone of attempting to spike your drink or anyone else’s, please immediately inform security or a member of staff at the venue.

If you suspect you have taken a drink that has been spiked, you should call 111 or visit A&E or your nearest health centre. If you do receive medical care, please ask them for a record of what they found in your body. You can always visit our impartial and confidential Advice Centre for guidance on further support.

Here are some ways to help yourself feel safer when in nightclub settings.

Find out more about the SafeZone app.

*Updated Friday 22 October 2021. Thank you to students who got in touch with feedback about this statement. We have updated the wording to make sure that our zero tolerance policy is clear. Please continue to give us feedback.