Drink spiking remains a significant concern in Camden, with Holborn & Covent Garden and Camden Town identified as hotspots. The Camden Council Licensing Committee addressed the issue at its meeting on 7 July 2025, focusing on preventative measures and support for potential victims. Camden Council is also an active participant in pan-London forums focused on women's safety, where they share and learn from other boroughs' good practices. They also proactively liaise with boroughs such as Westminster and Hackney, who have been recognized for their innovative approaches to enhancing women's safety.
According to a report presented to the committee, 53 drink spiking incidents have been reported to the police in Camden between January and April 2025. The report provides the following data on reported drink spiking incidents in Camden:
- 2023: 121 incidents
- 2024: 167 incidents (+38%)
- 2025 (Jan – Apr): 53 incidents
This indicates an increase from 2023 to 2024. However, national research suggests that the actual number of incidents is likely much higher due to underreporting.
To combat this, Camden Council is focusing on proactive prevention, staff training, and support for individuals at risk. Specific challenges in accurately reporting and tracking drink spiking incidents are being addressed through the following key actions:
- Venue Engagement: The council's Licensing Team and police Licensing Team regularly engage with licensed venues to reinforce their responsibilities around safeguarding and vulnerability, including spotting the signs of potential spiking.
- Staff Training: Venue staff are encouraged to complete Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training, which includes how to respond if they suspect someone may have been spiked.
The Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training includes learning about Safe Havens, the prevention of drink spiking, and the national 'Ask for Angela' scheme. The council aims to deliver WAVE training to 60% of licensed premises (approximately 1,020 venues) by the end of 2028. As of December 2024, 140 venues had been trained, and the aim is to train an additional 220 venues each year from 2025 to 2028.
- The Camden Safety Bus: This provides a safe space where anyone feeling vulnerable, including potential victims of spiking, can access support and help.
- Communications: Camden is working with partners, including the Police and local services, on communications campaigns to raise public awareness about spiking and how to seek help.
In May 2025, Camden launched a new spiking awareness campaign targeting the borough's university population, recognising that Camden is home to the third-largest student population in London. The campaign will focus on raising awareness, improving safety messaging in student venues, and encouraging early reporting.
Camden is also collaborating with the Police during national spiking awareness weeks, including the NPCC Spiking Awareness Week (Freshers) and the Christmas Party Spiking Awareness Week.
The Licensing Authority expects applicants and licensees to uphold clear and consistent standards of operation, with Licensing Panels encouraged to apply proactive, proportionate conditions tailored to each premises. Increasingly, most licensing applications now include a condition requiring sign-up to the Ask for Angela
scheme or similar. The meeting information also mentions the use of standardised licence conditions to encourage staff training (WAVE), and provisions for safe transport signage and welfare support.
