Queen’s and PSNI collab sees drink spiking test kits rolled out across 33 Belfast nightlife venues

Pictured (L-R) Constable Donna Tolan, District Licensing Officer, Ryan Rankin, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer at Queen's, Willie Jack, proprietor of several bars taking part in the initiative, and Superintendent Allister Hagan, Local Policing North Belfast.

As students return for the start of the new academic year, Queen’s University Belfast has teamed up with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to roll out a city-wide initiative aimed at tackling drink spiking in Belfast’s bars and clubs.

The new ‘Drink Check’ initiative, launched during Freshers’ Week, is designed to provide reassurance, raise awareness, and act as a visible deterrent to potential offenders, helping ensure Belfast continues to be recognised as one of the UK’s safest student cities.

The project was spearheaded by Queen’s University’s Neighbourhood Engagement team following concerns raised by students.

Although reported cases of drink spiking in Belfast remain low, the university said it remains committed to working with partners, including Queen’s Students’ Union and local venues, to prioritise student safety.

Drink testing kits distributed across Belfast nightlife

Poster that will be displayed in participating venues.

As part of the initiative, Queen’s has purchased specialist drink spiking test kits which will be distributed in partnership with PSNI across 33 popular venues including the Queen’s Students’ Union Bar, The Botanic Inn, The Hatfield, Lavery’s, Limelight, Kremlin, The Dirty Onion, and The Crown.

Each venue will display posters signalling that drink testing is available on-site. Customers who suspect their drink has been tampered with can bring it to the bar where staff will use testing strips.

If a test indicates spiking, the PSNI will be contacted immediately, and venue CCTV will be reviewed to help identify those responsible.

Alongside this, venues have been provided with ‘Ask for Angela’ materials – a discreet code-word system allowing patrons to seek help from bar staff if they feel unsafe or vulnerable.

Student leaders welcome the move

Dr Ryan Feeney, Vice-President, Strategic Engagement and External Affairs and Registrar at Queen’s, Amy Smith, Queen’s Students’ Union President, and Ryan Rankin, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer at Queen's, pictured with local Neighbourhood Officers from PSNI.

Amy Smith, Queen’s Students’ Union President, said:

“This initiative is all about prevention and reassurance. We know that spiking is a concern for students, so it’s great to see the University listening and taking proactive steps to make sure it doesn’t become an issue. The ‘Drink Check’ initiative is another way of making our city even safer.”

Dr Ryan Feeney, Vice-President, Strategic Engagement and External Affairs and Registrar at Queen’s, added:

“Student safety is our top priority, and this partnership demonstrates our commitment to working closely with the PSNI, local venues, and our Students’ Union to address concerns before they escalate. By introducing visible deterrents like testing kits and awareness campaigns, we want to support our students to feel safe while enjoying a night out.”

Police underline robust response to drink spiking

PSNI Superintendent Allister Hagan stressed that while drink spiking is not widespread, the police take every report seriously:

“While we do not see evidence of widespread or routine drink spiking, we understand the concern it causes. Every report is taken seriously, and we have a bespoke response plan to both support victims and robustly pursue offenders.

“This initiative provides reassurance that there is an additional safeguard for those enjoying the night-time economy, and it complements the wide range of harm prevention measures already in place.”

He added that police continue to work closely with licensees, trade bodies, and security staff across the sector to ensure effective use of CCTV, robust incident response plans, and the promotion of safety measures such as ‘Ask for Angela’.

Support from the hospitality sector

Willie Jack, proprietor of several Belfast bars including the Harp Bar, Duke of York and Dark Horse, welcomed the move:

“Commercial Court Inns Ltd (including Harp Bar, Duke of York and Dark Horse) welcomes and wholeheartedly supports the proactive anti spiking initiative introduced by Queen’s and the PSNI.”

PSNI advice for students and the public

Poster that will be displayed in participating venues.

The PSNI has issued the following safety tips to help prevent drink spiking on a night out:

• Never leave your drink unattended, even if it’s non-alcoholic, and keep an eye on your friends’ drinks.

• Be cautious when accepting drinks from people you don’t know.

• Stick to bottled drinks where possible and avoid sharing.

• If you suspect your drink has been spiked, do not consume it – alert a friend or member of staff and contact police.

• Report any suspicious behaviour immediately to venue staff or the PSNI.

Police are urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of drink spiking to seek help straight away and report the incident.