By Jokūbas Naglinskas, LRT TV, LRT.lt.

With the spread of date rape drugs in nightlife venues, police in Klaipėda have been handing out stickers to cover drinks. In the capital, the Night Office encourages bars and clubs to sell single-use tests that detect drugs in beverages and runs special training to help staff recognise potential threats. However, representatives admit that not all businesses take part in these initiatives.

Increasingly, reports emerge of people being spiked with so-called date rape drugs in bars and clubs, usually secretly mixed into drinks. LRT explores measures to protect against such incidents, with experts emphasising that responsibility lies with the perpetrators, not the victims.

Preventive action in Klaipėda and Night Office initiatives in Vilnius

In Klaipėda, police have launched a preventive campaign in the city streets, distributing special stickers for covering drinks to prevent criminals from slipping in intoxicating substances. According to Aurelija Studencova of the Klaipėda County Police Headquarters, the stickers, which even accommodate a straw, are an effective protective measure.

In Vilnius, the Night Office – a civic initiative – works to improve safety in nightlife venues. 27 bars and clubs have signed an agreement to train staff to recognise threats and participate in other initiatives. However, Emilija Gaidytė, project manager at the office, acknowledges that not all establishments are fully engaged.

“Some places are not as motivated and fail to recognise the problem. […] However, risks exist everywhere, in all public spaces. In fact, so-called date rape drugs are used not only in nightlife venues […] but also in close social settings, such as gatherings with friends,” noted Gaidytė.

Read more: LRT.LT