DRINK and needle spiking could become a key consideration in licensing applications under proposed changes to Thurrock's Licensing Policy.

Needle spiking is when someone secretly injects another person with a substance. It is sometimes called injection spiking. Drink spiking happens when someone adds alcohol or drugs to another person's drink without their knowledge or consent.

The plans are now out for public consultation and will help guide future decisions on alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment licences.

The proposals would apply to a range of licensed premises, including pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, off-licences and some temporary events.

Residents, businesses and existing licence holders have until Monday, November 9 to comment on the proposals.

Under Thurrock's statement of policy, applicants would be expected to consider the risk of spiking incidents and set out what action they would take to help keep customers safe.

Drink and needle spiking would be treated as a key licensing concern alongside issues such as violence against women and girls, county lines activity, child criminal exploitation and human trafficking.

Other measures the policy notes venues could consider, include anti-spiking policies, staff training, search procedures, incident recording systems, welfare and vulnerability procedures and participation in schemes such as Ask for Angela.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Applicants would also be expected to demonstrate how they will promote the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and protecting public safety.

The changes would not create new offences but would set out what council officers expect businesses to consider when applying for licences or seeking changes to existing ones.

The council reviews its licensing policy every five years.

The document helps guide decisions on applications for alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment licences.

Residents now have the chance to comment on the plans before the updated policy is adopted and used to guide future licensing decisions across the borough.

To comment residents can visit: Licensing Act 2003 Policy Review | Have my say | Thurrock Council