Freshers’ Week is an institution at British universities—it’s a great time to meet new people, try new things, and set yourself up to make the most of your time at university. With the return of freshers' week around the corner, we must remind young people and work with bars to ensure that they remain safe on nights out.
Lots of incoming students are undoubtedly looking forward to going clubbing for what might be the first time. However, something that comes with going clubbing or drinking for the first time is that it’s important to consider drink spiking. Although Derby is a safe place to live, there has been a rise in concern on this issue that is making party goers worry more than usual.
Amanda Solloway MP for Derby North has joined forces with the University of Derby’s Union of Students, street pastors, licensing officers, Derbyshire police, and city centre managers, who are working together to help make students feel more protected from drink spiking so that they can enjoy their night more freely.
The Derby North MP visited bars in Derby City to see what action they could take to prevent incidences of spiking. The group hopes to persuade pubs, bars, and nightclubs to provide drink covers known as StopTopps or Spikeys with every drink served. StoppTopps and Spikeys fit over any size glass, are recyclable, and have a QR code on them which has informative advice about what to do if the worst happens to you or a friend on a night out.
Amanda said: "We know there have been concerns regarding drink spiking nationally and we should all be working together to ensure that our young people can enjoy a night out in Derby with less worry over their safety." "This is why I have drawn together some of the key people involved in the city’s night economy." "Together, we want to persuade publicans and licensees to do everything possible to protect their customers."
Amanda’s task force comprises Owen Marques, President of the University of Derby’s Union of Students; Dan Handley Farrell from police licensing; Councillor Matthew Eyre, city council cabinet member for licensing; and city centre manager Helen Faulconbridge. They were joined by Chris Lucas and Zahid Javid, from the city centre public protection team, and street pastors Andy Sutherland and David Radcliffe.
Owen said: "Several bars in the city centre are affiliated with the university, and we know they will offer StoppTops and Spikeys to every drinker, but there are many pubs in the city that perhaps don’t know about these safety measures, so I am happy to support anything that helps make Derby as safe as possible."
Derby has recently retained its international Purple Flag status after being assessed for safety by a team of independent judges, who praised the city’s workers and volunteers.
Helen Faulconbridge, who is responsible for the management of the city centre, said:
"We are thrilled to have retained our Purple Flag status and schemes like PubWatch and volunteers like our street pastors all play a part in keeping the city safe." "The night-time economy in Derby is very well supported by the doormen, taxi companies, CCTV operatives, as well as the emergency services, but it’s important that people understand that there are ways to keep themselves and their friends safe while enjoying a night out, and raising awareness of how to do that is a brilliant start."
