Brutal sex attack in Brighton pub is a wake-up call for host

Pubs warned as drug rapes rise by Claire Hu The horrific case of a woman who was raped and photographed in a pub toilet highlights the urgent need for the licensed trade to tackle the growing problem of "drug rape", say campaigners. Licensees in Brighton have been left shocked by the brutal attack on a 27-year-old woman at the Eldridge Pope-owned Toad at The Picture House. The shocking incident was recorded by witnesses using mobile phones and police believe the victim, who was found by staff in an "incoherent and semi-conscious state", may have been drugged. Graham Rhodes, chief executive of the Roofie Foundation, which investigates drug rape, said the number of incidents reported to the group had increased from 328 in 1996 to 959 last year ­ and the majority had happened in pubs and clubs. "This latest incident is just an example of a problem we have been trying to raise awareness of for years," he said. "We have approached the trade countless times but have not been listened to. In the eight years we have been in existence, we have dealt with 5,600 victims and the problem is growing. "We are keen to sit down with the trade and discuss awareness schemes, and the importance of staff being trained in how to handle the issue." The Government has from this week banned the so-called date rape drug GHB ­ which together with Rohypnol is one of a growing number of drugs being used to reduce male and female victims to a stupor ­ in recognition of the problem. Mark Eteen, who operates two pubs in Brighton and organises the local pubwatch scheme, said licensees report a growing number of customers who suspect they have been victim of drug rapists. He said difficulties in gathering forensic evidence ­ often glasses are washed or the drug has left the bloodstream by the time incidents have been reported ­ and barstaff and bouncers mistaking victims for being drunk, contributed to the problem. Eteen said: "Hopefully this latest attack will help licensees become more willing to put posters up to educate customers. "When I have been talking to licensees, in almost every group there has been one person who has heard of an incident." The council, police and licensees in Brighton have now launched Spiked, a project to educate licensees and the public about drug rape. Eldridge Pope said it was working with the police to catch those responsible for the attack, including providing CCTV footage. The company stressed it had five door staff on duty at the time who would have checked the toilets every 15 minutes. A spokesman said: "The staff on duty that night have offered to assist the police, to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice as quickly as possible." Roofie Foundation advice to pubs Advice to licensees from the Roofie Foundation on drug rape (www.roofie.org.uk): l The symptoms of drug rape and drunkenness are very similar ­ so think twice before throwing out customers. l Educate your bar staff about the problem. l Create places of safety for customers who think their drinks have been spiked. l Consider displaying posters and starting projects where staff put stickers on unattended glasses warning customers. l Remember, the majority of victims know their attacker. Drug rapes increase around Christmas.