“You want to be able to go out as two girls and feel safe” – Students react to new night-time safety charter

By Rowan Archibald and Henri Broadbent

Businesses across Liverpool are set to be invited to sign up to a new night time safety charter being launched by the council.

Bars and clubs alike will be able to sign up to seven pledges, committing to both staff and customer safety, with increased training and measures to be put in place.

Over 125 businesses have now received drug testing kits for potentially spiked drinks, alongside training, which has been funded by the Community Safety Partnership (City Safe).

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.”

The initiative also took place in partnership with Merseyside Police, with undercover officers visiting city centre bars and clubs to see how staff react and respond in situations where people may have been spiked.

Superintendent Charlotte Irlam, Liverpool Local Policing, said: “These test purchase operations highlight the strength of our partnership approach in Liverpool.

“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.”

Speaking to two third-year students in Liverpool, Olivia and Sophia on whether they felt this would make them feel safer when going out at night, Sophia said:

“Yeah definitely. You want to be able to go out as two girls and feel safe.”

Olivia discussed how this may benefit students living outside of city centre too:

“Yeah I agree. If you’re having to travel so far out of town, it’ll really help students just to feel more safe, walking home especially.”

Eve Bousfield, another Liverpool student said:

“I think like, awareness of it, especially if bar staff are trained and know what to look out for it’ll definitely help.”

Discussing ways in which safety could be increased, she said:

“I’ve been to places before, not around Liverpool but where they offer like, covers for your cups when you get a drink.

“If that was more common that would probably help.”

For further information on what spiking is and how to report, you can visit Merseyside Police’s website at: What is spiking? | Merseyside Police