‘Girls Night In’ to combat the spiking epidemic
Young women across the UK are boycotting nightclubs due to the haunting rise in cases of people using ‘date rape’ drugs on nights out.
The ‘girls night in’ campaign had spread the word across social media that on Wednesday 27 October students were to avoid going clubbing following reports of needle spiking.
Sports Nights, usually held on a Wednesday, are synonymous with university culture, with Popworld in Portsmouth being the usual venue. However, on the 27th, students in fancy dress filled bowling alleys and restaurants instead of nightclubs.
‘Hockey went out for a curry which was a nice change from feeling uncomfortable on a night out,’ said Portsmouth’s Hockey Club Captain Lea Cato, 20.
According to the Astoria nightclub in Portsmouth: ‘across the weekend over 600 customers consented to a search, with police and sniffer dogs.’
The club also introduced ‘drink condoms’ which cover the top of drinks to prevent spiking.
Following an outcry from students to ensure clubs are providing a safe environment, there is speculation as to whether ‘the big night in’ will be a one-off endeavour.
“Whilst we’ve seen changes, we will continue to boycott these clubs if they don’t look after us, ” said the Hockey club’s Ms Cato.
