NSW:Easter revellers warned on drink spiking

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2011
NSW:Easter revellers warned on drink spiking

By Lauren Farrow

SYDNEY, April 21 AAP - Easter revellers in NSW have been warned to watch their drinks
this long weekend, following several recent reports of drink spiking in Sydney.

"Our staff have been notified by a venue in Oxford Street area of a drink spiking incident
and by a venue goer in the CBD area," City of Sydney manager of late night economy Suzie
Matthews told AAP on Thursday.

Ms Matthews said there had been several drink spiking incidents reported in the past
month, which had raised concerns about partygoers' safety.

"It's just a timely warning to people who do go out over the Easter and Anzac long
weekend, to just be mindful and watch their drinks," she said.

Following the recent reports, the City of Sydney has reissued drink coasters to local
pubs and clubs that were launched in a drink spiking campaign in 2006.

The coasters feature optical illusions designed to highlight the effects of intoxication,
and pose the question,"Feel more drunk than you should?"

Ms Matthews said the recent reports in Sydney highlighted the importance of being vigilant.

"We haven't done anything (on drink spiking) in the past several years as it had fallen
off the radar ... but it's back on the radar again," she said.

The penalties for drink spiking can include a hefty fine and up to 25 years' imprisonment.

People can protect themselves by buying their own drinks and never leaving them unattended.

People should also report suspicious behaviour and tell people where they are going
and with whom.

AAP lcf/klm/dep/nb

KEYWORD: EASTER DRINK

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