The Catalan Federation of Associations of Restoration and Musical Activities (Fecasarm) announced this May 25 that nightclubs in Barcelona, Spain, will be able to distribute lids for glasses in order to prevent the introduction of drugs in drinks with the aim of committing a sexual assault.
The measure seeks to stop the growing sexual abuse by chemical submission that is becoming a problem in Catalan society. According to figures provided by the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 31 percent of the cases of sexual assault reported in 2021 were due to a previous chemical submission.
Faced with this situation, the International Nightlife Association (INA) promotes a security accreditation in which one of the measures that adhered establishments must apply is to deliver lids for glasses to customers, with the purpose to reduce the risk of substances introduced without consent in their drinks.
Joaquim Boadas, general secretary of Fecasarm, announced that those nightclubs that wish to join the initiative will also receive training so that employees know how to act in the event that a client claims to be in danger.
Boadas told The country that the initiative that nightlife establishments are adopting is intended to obtain the International Nightlife Safety Checked seal (the seal belongs to an association that is located at the same address as the Fecasarm headquarters) and that it obliges those who want to obtain it to improvements in the security of its establishments.
There are several protective measures that go through the training of all employees, from the ‘DJ’ to the person in charge of the cloakroom, to detect if any client is in danger. Defibrillators are also placed and training is given in their use. In addition, an innovative measure is promoted so that drinks cannot be adulterated. We are going to be the first organization to implement these cup lids, so that our clients are safe.
The Fecasarm and the INA assure that, so far, about twenty Catalan nightclubs, including some of the largest in Barcelona, are already implementing the new measure before the start of the summer season.
According to The vanguard, The INA is in contact with establishments in other cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Marbella and Tenerife, so that they can join the measure. In addition, it ensures that establishments in France, Italy and other countries of the European Union are interested in adopting the initiative.
The international association has established agreements with the NightCap and StopTopps brands, which manufacture different types of caps. The first is a reusable hair tie, which can be used to cover the drink, while the second is a disposable aluminum foil lid with a printed QR code, which, when scanned, notifies the police in case of to be in danger.