The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor has launched new posters to raise awareness of drink spiking, following an increase in incidents across the community.
The Commission said the posters aimed to encourage patrons to call out suspicious behaviour to staff, and to give staff guidance on best practices to prevent drink spiking.
“A ‘spiked drink’ means that alcohol or drugs have been added to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent,” the Commission said.
“Any drink can be spiked, including juice, soft drink, water and alcohol,” it said.
“If a person has their drink spiked, they can be vulnerable to sexual assault, robbery and other harmful actions.”
The Commission encouraged venue operators to place the new posters in high traffic locations which were visible to both patrons and staff.
It said it wanted venue operators and licence holders to educate their staff on how to help prevent drink spiking and raise awareness of the issue in their venues.
“The best way to prevent drink spiking is to follow the Responsible Service of Alcohol principles,” it said.
The Commission said the new posters were developed in consultation with Victoria Police and Stonnington Council.
