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 entertainment district employees and patrons alike about drink spiking and will expand sexual assault prevention and bystander training by the Safe Alliance to bar operators and staff.
Fliers will also be put up in bars across the city.
Some bars joining the program include Barbarella, Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, Emo's, Jackalope and more than four dozen others.
Although the program is just beginning, Austin leaders are looking for ways to create longevity.
"Moving forward, we want to continue these collaborative efforts and ensure that Austin's nightlife and entertainment city is supported and recognized as safe and welcoming for all residents, communities and visitors," Block said.
How can you keep your drink safe?
The Sip Safely webpage states that some of the main ways to protect a drink during a night out include watching as it is made, keeping it with you the whole time and using a cover when available.
Additionally, avoid accepting drinks from strangers and be aware of those around you.
Someone who consumes a spiked drink will show symptoms within 10 to 30 minutes. Those symptoms may include an inability to communicate, hallucinations or paranoia, confusion, unconsciousness, nausea or vomiting and poor coordination or vision.
Learn more about the program and see a list of participating bars.