Sheffield Night In - Wednesday 27th October

In Sheffield, and across the UK, people are taking a stand against the terrifying spikings that have gone on in clubs and pubs since the beginning of September.

It's no secret that drink spiking has unfortunately always happened, but this autumn, more university students have been subjected to it than ever before.

This week alone, I witnessed more than three of my friends get their drinks spiked and suffer the consequences of blackouts, dizziness, unknown intoxication and bad headaches the next morning. It has to stop.

Few people have also been hospitalised.

Going on a night out is meant to be an enjoyable experience – a chance for us to let our hair down, relax and have a few drinks – but that's been taken away from us. How are we supposed to relax when we know there's a risk of being spiked, injected and taken advantage of?

The severity of this issue doesn’t seem to be going away and so next Wednesday, join the women and men that believe this dangerous act has to stop. If the nightclubs want to stop this boycott from repeating, they will have to put in extra measures for handing out drinks, and I believe this is the only way to do it.

If you have been on West Street or visited The Leadmill recently, you may have noticed signs offering cling film to cover drinks and straws. These are the measures we need in all clubs, with bar staff being aware of the problem, trained to deal with it, and willing to act.

When you do see these signs, please take their advice – grab a piece of cling film and carry on enjoying your night. Just not on 27th October.

So, this Wednesday, take a night off, spend it with your friends and recover in time for Halloween. This valuable boycott may save a terrible hangover the next morning, or more seriously, a life.

Please join and take a stand.

Edited by Michelle Almeida