Drink spiking awareness program introduced in Austin, Texas [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas — Going out to bars and restaurants can come with a risk: drink spiking.

On Monday, the city of Austin launched a new pilot program called Sip Safely, created to educate people on drink spiking prevention. 

“The purpose of this Sip Safety campaign is to raise awareness among bar staff, patrons and the public about what drink spiking is, how to reduce the threat, support victims and keep them safe if it occurs, and report incidents,” said Brian Block, the nightlife and entertainment manager for the city’s Development Services Department.

Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council allocated approximately $100,000 to create the initiative. The funding will allow the city to buy and distribute test strips to participating bars to monitor whether drinks have been spiked with drugs. The city will also work with the Sobering Center to educate …