Bartenders say drink spiking is rife, and many are taking matters into their own hands | ABC News

Sam Israel, manager of Fitzroy bar The Rooks Return says existing research and data on drink spiking is severely lacking, so he is developing his own survey of the industry. Subscribe: http://ab.co/1svxLVE Read more here: https://ab.co/3mPXTyR

The ultimate goal is to take the data and then use it to develop a comprehensive framework for venues to better respond.

It's a decision Mr Israel said was born out of an absence of regulatory guidelines or advice from licensing and government agencies.

Over the past few years, the Fitzroy Beer Garden has developed multiple "game plans" in order to reduce the risk of drink spiking, including installing water taps for patrons so there is no chance of spiking water jugs, as well as immediately removing all drinks left unattended.

This week, the bar has placed posters in the women's bathroom including a special "code word" that patrons can then say at the bar to ask for help.

"So then, if they have been spiked, or feel like they're being harassed, we can talk to them, calm them down, and figure out a solution to what's been happening," duty manager Laura Young said.

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