University of Liverpool releases safety guidance around spiking during festive period

The University of Liverpool has released new guidance on staying safe in the city, largely focusing on identifying issues and symptoms of drink spiking as we approach the Christmas period.

In a statement posted on Monday, the dedicated campus welfare team address the importance of being “alert when you’re out socialising and learn[ing] how to spot the potential signs of spiking in yourself and your friends”.

The guidance is supported by Andy Woolford, the university’s dedicated campus police officer.

via University of Liverpool

“Whilst we want you to have a great time, we also want to make sure you’re staying safe.

“You can help to avoid drink-spiking by keeping a close eye on how much you’re drinking, asking bar staff for a cover for your drink, and not accepting drinks from strangers.” he said.

The University of Liverpool worked with Merseyside Police and Campus Liaison Officers to produce a YouTube video to cover all aspects of their guidance. Their advice is to report any incidents of spiking to a member of pub or club staff immediately, and to stick together as a group to ensure everyone gets home safely.

They also promoted the Ask for Angela scheme, which allows individuals to approach pub and bar staff across the city to ask for assistance in getting out of a potentially dangerous situation.

“If you find yourself separated from friends on your night out and you are feeling scared, vulnerable or unsafe, you can approach bar staff in any nearby bar and ‘Ask for Angela’. They’ll know to take you to a safe space and arrange for your transport home”.

via University of Liverpool

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The statement continues to advise students on the safest ways to return home from a night out in town. It states: “If you choose to walk home, try to do so in a group and keep to well lit areas. If you feel unsafe at any point, go into the nearest shop or food outlet and ask for help.

“If you’re opting for a taxi, be sure it’s a licensed vehicle, like a Hackney Cab or official private hire. A Liverpool licenced Hackney Cab will have a roof light showing the word TAXI, a yellow plate on the front and rear of the vehicle and a yellow illuminated sign inside the taxi which displays the number plate.

“The driver should have a personal ID badge and tariff sheet on display inside.  Private hire cabs registered with Liverpool City Council will have a red and white plate attached to the back of the vehicle and one in the windscreen.

“They should also have door signs displaying the logo of their private hire operator and have a personal ID badge on display in the vehicle.”

Additionally, the university’s guidance shares the route of the Liverpool Night Bus, an early morning transport service in partnership with Stagecoach which provides students with cheap and safe bus travel from Liverpool ONE to the Wirral, passing through popular student areas Smithdown and Allerton.

“The Liverpool Night Bus helps people travel safely between Liverpool and the Wirral. The service runs every hour from midnight to 5am, on Thursday night/Friday morning, Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning”.

This announcement was conveniently shared with UoL students in the wake of Friday’s Reclaim the Night march, which saw students and allies take to the streets of Liverpool to raise awareness for gender-based violence, and campaign for safer streets and nights out for female-identifying people across the city.

Featured image via Google Maps.