After over a year of being in a national lockdown, the long-awaited reopening of clubs was definitely on
many minds. However, the fear of spiking is something that remains unparalleled and extremely
prevalent within our society today and more recently, in Cardiff.

A night out is something you would expect to enjoy with your friends ÔÇô a chance to escape your uni work
or even just get out for the evening; however, persistent nights are being ruined with many people
being spiked in clubs across the UK. Not only are drinks becoming contaminated, but the use of needles
and injections to spike people has risen, an anxiety-inducing thought that has caused alarm.

In conjunction to this, many people have come together in a student-led movement known as ÔÇÿGirls Night InÔÇÖ, taking
action to boycott clubs in response to the spiking ÔÇÿepidemicÔÇÖ. Those who participate will remain indoors
for the designated evening in their city. The date for Cardiff is the 29th of October (this Friday!) and others are ranging from the 22nd of October to the 4th of November. This is to ensure clubs receive a loss in customer numbers to
bring attention to the seriousness of the situation and to encourage the introduction and enforcement
of effective measures that will help stop this problem. Why not spend a Friday eve having some drinks with your friends at home? (Halloween house party maybe instead…?)

Hearing from a student from Cardiff (they have chosen to stay anonymous) who was spiked in Pryzm
nightclub, their experience highlights the dangers of spiking and the symptoms you can look out for in
order to keep your friends safe. They said, ÔÇÿIt was horrible, I didnÔÇÖt know what was happening. I sort of
blacked out, but I remember shaking and feeling really dizzy – I knew it wasnÔÇÖt the case that I had drunk
too much. I felt violently ill, and I was told I threw up. I never want to experience it again.ÔÇÖ
Although being named ÔÇÿGirls Night InÔÇÖ, all genders are being encouraged to support the cause in order to
heighten the effect of the movement, of course, it is not just girls who are targeted and this movement should be inclusive of all genders.

With the boycott aiming to get a response from clubs, there are other ways that people can get involved
to spread awareness.

Ways you can support the movement:

ÔÇó Share spiking awareness posts on social media platforms
ÔÇó Spread awareness through word of mouth
ÔÇó Email and/or call local club and bar venues (increase in pressure on businesses can help
ÔÇó Contact your local MP
ÔÇó Sign petitions
ÔÇó Look out for your friends

Tips on how to stay safe on a night out:

ÔÇó Never leave your drink unattended
ÔÇó Never accept a drink from another person ÔÇô even if you think you know them well!ÔÇó Stick with your friends in the club/bar
ÔÇó Drink smart ÔÇô buy shots so you can drink them quickly at the bar/ bottles with a smaller opening
that you can cover with your thumb
ÔÇó Safety in numbers ÔÇô never leave a club/bar by yourself!
ÔÇó Avoid walking home if you can ÔÇô aim to get a lift/taxi
ÔÇó Walk through well-lit areas and avoid dark streets

By Lucia Cubb