The Truth About Drug-Detecting Gadgets and Drink Spiking Prevention

We often see products marketed as the latest solution to prevent drink spiking: drug-detecting nail polish and straws, seals for your glass, and other personal safety gadgets.

While the intention behind these products is to help, we need to think critically about them because there are downsides in this approach to harm reduction.

Does Drug-Detecting Nail Polish Really Work?

The short answer is that these products are not the solution. Whether it’s drug-detecting nail polish or any other personal gadget, placing the responsibility for preventing a crime on the potential victim is problematic for several reasons:

1.   They Shift Blame: Products like these, often marketed specifically to women, inadvertently place the burden of prevention on the individual. This can lead to increased guilt and self-blame if spiking does occur.

2.   They Overlook the Facts: Violence and spiking affect all genders. The most effective prevention strategy isn't a personal gadget—it’s changing the environment where these incidents happen.

3.   They Don't Address the Root Cause: Focusing on a personal defense tool distracts from the fact that the venue team has the greatest power to create a safe environment.

Placing the responsibility for preventing drink spiking on the potential victim can lead to victim blaming, guilt, and shame—and it may even make customers feel less comfortable frequenting bars and restaurants.

The SAFE Bar Network Solution: Equip the Venue Team With Skills

We’ve talked to many experts, and the single best way to create an environment free from drink spiking and other forms of harm is to train the venue team to recognize warning signs and use active bystander and de-escalation skills to for prevention. This means having clear policies, procedures, and training in place.

That’s exactly what we do at the SAFE Bar Network. We work with bars and restaurants to train their teams to:

• Notice uncomfortable and unsafe behavior.

• Interrupt effectively using de-escalation and active bystander skills.

• Support each other and their customers.

The outcome is a workplace where creating a fun, safe environment is a core part of the job.

We further support venues with conversation guides, policy and procedure templates, and signage to establish 360-degree accountability:

• The venue leader is accountable to their employees.

• Employees are accountable to the venue leader.

• The venue is accountable to the community.

• Customers are accountable to the venue.

If you’re passionate about safety in your community, we encourage you to work with us to incentivize SAFE Bar Training for local venues. Let’s support hospitality teams and equip them with the skills to give everyone a safe night out.

Curious about us? Join us at a SAFE Night Out session where you’ll connect with others and learn the magic behind a safe night out. Trust us, it’s fun. Sign up here, tinyurl.com/safenightout

Learn more. You can find out more about the SAFE Bar Network at safebarnetwork.org

Like what we’re doing? Be connected and stay updated with the SAFE Bar Network - join our mailing list, www.safebarnetwork.org/signup 

Join the team. All you have to do is share about the SAFE Bar Network with venue leaders you know. Learn more at safebarnetwork.org/join and safebarnetwork.org/bettertookit 

You can even send their contact information our way, and we’ll do the sharing for you, Help Us Grow Our Good.

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Pass the hat. The SAFE Bar Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), and your tax-deductible donation goes directly to our work increasing safety at alcohol-serving venues, safebarnetwork.org/donatenow