Statement from Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association

The Night Time Industries Association welcomes this significant and long-awaited milestone in the collective effort to tackle spiking. The introduction of a new specific offence represents a crucial strengthening of the legislative framework and a clear signal that this issue is being taken seriously at the highest levels.

This moment reflects years of sustained hard work, collaboration and determination from a multitude of stakeholders. Campaigners, industry leaders, policymakers, Police , academics and frontline organisations have worked tirelessly to ensure that spiking is recognised, understood and addressed through meaningful legislation. This has been a complex journey, and reaching Royal Assent is a testament to that shared commitment.

I want to extend a huge thank you to the NTIA team and our partner organisations across the night time economy, who have consistently given evidence, contributed expertise and advocated for change. Their dedication, alongside the efforts of many others, has been instrumental in ensuring this issue remained firmly on the agenda.

We also recognise the significant progress being made alongside the legislation. Initiatives such as Project Alliance, led by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, are critical in improving victim support and evidence collection. The rollout of Operation Lester kits, new policing guidance and training, and the involvement of universities, the NHS, charities and venues demonstrate the strength of a truly coordinated response.

Further advancements, including the University of Birmingham’s research into perpetrator motivations, the inclusion of spiking in the Annual Data Requirement, and the Security Industry Authority’s training of over 300,000 licence holders, show that meaningful change is happening across multiple fronts.

While this is a significant step forward, it is not the end of the journey. Continued collaboration, implementation and vigilance will be essential to ensure these measures deliver real impact on the ground. We remain committed to working with all partners to create safer environments across the UK’s night time economy.