Spiking test purchases provide reassurance
People enjoying Liverpool’s nightlife are being reassured that the city remains a safe and welcoming place, following a series of successful test-purchase operations carried out by Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police.
Undercover officers from the Council’s Public Protection Unit and Merseyside Police’s City Centre Neighbourhood Team visited venues in the city centre to see how staff respond when faced with a potential spiking incident. The operation also assessed how confidently venues are using City Safe drink‑testing kits. The kits can test for up to 15 different types of drugs when a spiking incident is suspected.
More than 125 licensed premises have now received these kits, funded by the Community Safety Partnership (known locally as City Safe). Alongside dedicated training, the kits allow staff to quickly test drinks suspected of being spiked, helping them support anyone affected and assist any subsequent investigation
Many venues demonstrated strong safeguarding practices, with staff responding calmly, confidently and with a clear focus on the wellbeing of the person they believed to be at risk.
Officers reported positive interactions throughout the operation, reflecting the commitment of Liverpool’s night‑time economy to keeping people safe.
A small number of venues required additional guidance, often because they were unsure of the correct procedures or did not have access to testing kits.
Each of these premises has now been offered further training, and replacement kits have been delivered where needed. Follow‑up test purchases will take place to ensure improvements are embedded.
The results show clear progress and a shared determination across the city’s hospitality sector to work together to protect the public.
This collaborative approach was recently recognised by the Association of Town and City Management, which awarded Liverpool a Purple Flag for the 16th consecutive year. Similar to the Green Flag for parks, or Blue Flag for beaches, the Purple Flag recognises cities worldwide who have a varied and safe night-time environment.
The Council is also launching a new night‑time safety charter. Businesses will be invited to sign up to seven pledges that strengthen customer and staff safety, including commitments to staff training, clear reporting routes for unacceptable behaviour, and raising awareness of available support.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe when they’re out enjoying themselves in the city.
“These operations show just how committed our venues and partners are to protecting people and stepping in when something doesn’t feel quite right. It’s encouraging to see so many staff responding with confidence, care and compassion.
“We will continue to build on this progress, ensuring every venue has the right procedures, training and resources in place. This work is central to maintaining a safe, well‑managed night‑time economy for everyone.”
Superintendent Charlotte Irlam, Liverpool Local Policing, said: “These test purchase operations highlight the strength of our partnership approach in Liverpool.
The majority of venues showed excellent safeguarding awareness, and their professionalism demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting the public. This is just one of many initiatives we deliver alongside our partners to ensure that everyone visiting the night time economy can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“Where improvements were needed, we have acted quickly to provide guidance and ensure staff feel confident in how to respond. We will continue supporting venues across the city so that Liverpool remains a safe place to enjoy a night out.”