DRINK protectors are being distributed across bars and nightclubs in Bolton as part of a new anti-spiking campaign.
Bolton Council, in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and Best Bar None, has launched the campaign, aimed at providing advice and materials to reduce the risk of spiking.
'StopTopps' and 'Spikeys' will be sent to bars and clubs over the next few weeks. They make it much more difficult to spike a drink by minimising the openings of bottles and glasses.
A StopTopp is a foil lid which can be stuck on to most glasses and then punctured with a straw. The Spikey goes in the neck of a bottle, with a hole for a straw in the centre.
The tops are free of charge and can be requested at the bar when buying a drink.
The campaign is part of ongoing work to promote a safe night out in Bolton.
A number of measures are already in place. They include taxi marshals who work on Fridays and Saturdays as well as during major events.
#GetHomeSafe stickers have been placed in taxis to give reassurance that they are safe. This is alongside an awareness campaign of how to check a taxi is licensed in Bolton before you get it.
Safeguarding training has been rolled out to all new and existing taxi drivers.
The borough also runs the 'Ask for Angela' campaign which is aimed at reducing violence and harassment against women.
It means that if you go to a participating hospitality venue, such as a bars and club, you can ask for 'Angela' to discreetly signal to staff that you feel unsafe or threatened and would like assistance.
Dave Cottom, who chairs the Best Bar None steering group, said: "We want the public to know that we have a zero tolerance for drink spiking and are all working really hard to ensure that spiking does not happen in Bolton."