Keeping safe visitors to pubs and bars

Community safety partners are working to keep Bury one of the safest boroughs in the region.

Drink spiking is under increasing scrutiny following more reports in the media nationally.

The issue hasn’t been a major one for Bury with police only reporting isolated incidents.

To make sure it remains that way the council’s Public Health has funded £2000 towards the cost of 17,000 anti-spiking devices to be given out to bars and pubs across Bury.

The devices work by only allowing a straw to fit into the glass or bottle they are fitted to.

They are accompanied by a campaign warning of spiking with posters for venues to put up that police will be giving out.

The campaign shows what to look out for and provides information on how to keep yourself safe.

Cllr Charlotte Morris, Bury’s Cabinet with responsibility for licensing said: “We are proud to have such a vibrant array of pubs, bars and restaurants in Bury.

“The town centre’s recent re-accreditation for Purple Flag demonstrates that it’s also one of the safest places to socialise in the region. This scheme underlines our commitment to that ethos.

“We’ll be going further in the New Year with the introduction of a Women’s Safety Charter, working alongside licensed premises to continue to keep people safe.”

Chief Inspector Jamie Collins from Greater Manchester Police said: “We are asking for the public to help us to tackle drink spiking and for those that believe they have been spiked to come forward and report the matter to door staff and the police as soon as possible” " This gives us the best opportunity to capture vital evidence and catch those responsible and bring them to justice, preventing offences against others"

"These incidents are rare, keeping people safe whilst enjoying a night out in Bury is really important to GMP staff and we will continue to have high visibility staff out working with licensee's and partners to deter and detect spiking incidents"

Shelley Gibbs, General Manager, Earl of Derby in Bury.

“We’re really pleased to work with the Council and Police on this important campaign. This is another helpful contribution to the various ways we try to keep people safe while out having a good time in the bars and pubs of Bury.”