Rape drug to be banned amid growing concerns

Rape drug GHB is to be banned next summer amid growing fears that it is being slipped into customers' drinks in pubs and clubs.

Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth announced that it would be re-classified as a Class C drug, so that anyone possessing it could serve two years in jail and suppliers could be locked up for five years.

At the moment it is not illegal to possess the drug but it is an offence to sell it.

Licensees in pubs and clubs across the country have been doing their best to alert customers to the dangers and help stamp out the problem.

Many have been displaying posters and using beer mats with the message "Who's watching your drink?"

But the Metropolitan Police believe that the number of drug rapes is on the rise and that there are at least two incidents a week in London alone.

Between October 2000 and August 2001 75 women and men were raped after being drugged and a further 24 were sexually assaulted, the Metropolitan Police said.

A similar spate of attacks in Bristol recently led police to urge licensees and barstaff to be extra vigilant over the festive period. Last year at least 20 women had drinks spiked in Bristol pubs and clubs during Christmas celebrations.

Related stories:​

Campaign launched to alert pubs to dangers of drug rape (14 November 2001)

Alert over rape drug after spate of attacks (6 November 2001)

Bristol licensees urged to be vigilant as drug rapes soar (10 August 2001)

Drugs detector developed to be sold in pubs and clubs (03 August 2001)

Trade warned of rise in drug rapes (23 May 2001)