University of Western Australia tavern supplying drink testing and forensic kits in spiking crackdown

Students who suspect their drinks have been spiked will now be able to test them for drugs at a Perth university.

The University of Western Australia tavern is rolling out rapid drink testing kits and forensic collection kits, which can test for the most common substances used in drink spiking.

Drink spiking is when someone deliberately adds alcohol or another drug to someone’s drink without their knowledge.

The most common drugs used in spiking incidents are drugs like GHB, ketamine and benzodiazepines, as well as alcohol.

It’s the first university venue to be on-boarded as part of a broader initiative targeting university licensed venues across Australia.

UWA tavern staff have been trained up on the kits, which are now available upon request behind the bar.

The first round of kits have been funded by the Student Experience Network, an organisation made up of member universities, TAFEs, student unions and guilds dedicated to improving student experiences.

Additional kits will be funded by the UWA student guild.

For those who detect a spiking, forensic evidence collection kits are also available should they wish to pursue further action, such as reporting to police.

With an estimated one in 10 suspected spiking victims reporting incidents to police, UWA student guild President Oliver Barrett said it was a proactive response to to improving student safety in nightlife environments.

“For many students, the first time encountering alcohol happens at university,” Mr Barrett said.

“We want to create the safest possible environment for this to happen at guild venues and send a clear message that drink spiking will not be tolerated.”

Signs of a drink spiking can include feeling significantly more intoxicated than expected, confusion, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, difficulty with balance or vision, or blacking out.

Students concerned about their drinks are encouraged to speak to staff.

Drink spiking is illegal and can result in a $12,000 fine or up to three years imprisonment in serious cases.