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27/09/2022
Licensed Venues To Hold Drink Spike Testing Kits
Licensed venues across Belfast will hold drink spike testing kits on their premises following the ratification of new legislation by Belfast City Council.
The legislation was brought forward by Alliance Councillor Micky Murray. After detailing how he planned to "make Belfast's night time economy a safer place", with these plans, including both the distribution of spiking test kits and training for local staff on administering them, the South Belfast representative's scheme has secured cross-party support at the licensing committee.
Mr Murray said: "With the further expansion of the city's night-time economy, Belfast City Council have a responsibility to ensure that our city is a safe place for people to visit and enjoy themselves in
"With the introduction of this scheme in licensed premises throughout the city we have the crucial opportunity to help reduce spiking incidents and work towards reducing incidents of ASB and sexual assaults, which remain unfortunate scourges on the city's nightlife industry, as well as get early medical interventions to victims of spiking related incidents.
"With this scheme, we aim to not only deter those who are planning on spiking someone, but also provide information to potential victims, and others, on how to get the testing kits and where to access resources and support should they think that they or their friends have been spiked.
"This is an initiative that's been led by Queen's Students Union, who are providing drink testing kits in their Student Union bars now that they have reopened for the new term."
The legislation was brought forward by Alliance Councillor Micky Murray. After detailing how he planned to "make Belfast's night time economy a safer place", with these plans, including both the distribution of spiking test kits and training for local staff on administering them, the South Belfast representative's scheme has secured cross-party support at the licensing committee.
Mr Murray said: "With the further expansion of the city's night-time economy, Belfast City Council have a responsibility to ensure that our city is a safe place for people to visit and enjoy themselves in
"With the introduction of this scheme in licensed premises throughout the city we have the crucial opportunity to help reduce spiking incidents and work towards reducing incidents of ASB and sexual assaults, which remain unfortunate scourges on the city's nightlife industry, as well as get early medical interventions to victims of spiking related incidents.
"With this scheme, we aim to not only deter those who are planning on spiking someone, but also provide information to potential victims, and others, on how to get the testing kits and where to access resources and support should they think that they or their friends have been spiked.
"This is an initiative that's been led by Queen's Students Union, who are providing drink testing kits in their Student Union bars now that they have reopened for the new term."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
