Nightlife safety guide: drink spiking, staying together and getting home

To stay safe on a night out in Australia: go out with people you trust and agree on a plan, keep your drink with you and watch it being poured, know the signs of drink spiking, look after each other, and plan how you will get home before you leave. If you or a friend feels suddenly much drunker than expected, dizzy, confused or unwell, stop drinking, tell a trusted friend or venue staff, and call 000 in an emergency.

This guide summarises advice from government sources, including the NSW Government, the Victorian Better Health Channel and Victoria Police. It is general information, not medical or legal advice. It is part of our Australian nightlife guide.

Before you go out

• Go with people you trust and agree how you will look out for each other.
• Plan how you will get home and have a backup (enough phone battery, money or a card for a taxi or rideshare).
• Share your plans with someone who is not going out.
• Eat beforehand. See pacing your drinks.
• Carry valid ID. See ID and entry at Australian venues.
• Charge your phone and consider sharing your location with a friend.

Protecting your drink

Government advice includes the following:

• Watch your drink being poured or opened.
• Do not leave drinks unattended. If you go to the dance floor or the toilet, finish it, take it or ask a trusted friend to watch it.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers unless you go to the bar with them and watch it being made.
• Avoid sharing drinks.
• If a drink tastes or smells different or stronger than expected, get rid of it and tell a trusted person or staff. The NSW Government notes many drugs used to spike drinks are tasteless.

Drink spiking is illegal in all Australian states and territories. Adding or buying extra alcohol for someone without their knowledge is also drink spiking.

Signs of drink spiking

Government sources list symptoms such as:

• feeling dizzy, faint, ill or sleepy
• feeling confused, incoherent or much drunker than expected after a small amount of alcohol
• slurred speech or difficulty moving
• nausea and vomiting
• memory loss
• breathing problems or loss of consciousness

These symptoms can be mistaken for heavy intoxication. If something feels wrong, act on it.

What to do if you suspect spiking

If it is you:

1. Stop drinking.
2. Tell a trusted friend or venue staff straight away.
3. Get to a safe place with someone you trust. Do not leave alone or with someone you have just met.
4. Call 000 if you feel very unwell, or go to a hospital emergency department.
5. Ask a doctor to test for drugs as soon as possible. Some drugs leave the body quickly.
6. Report it to police and the venue. In WA, the state government notes that urine testing kits are available at police stations and that reporting within 48 hours allows a sample to be analysed.

If it is a friend:

• Stay with them and keep them in a safe place.
• Tell venue staff or security.
• Call 000 if they lose consciousness, have trouble breathing or their condition gets worse.
• Do not let them leave alone or with a stranger.

For support after a sexual assault, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), police or a hospital emergency department.

Looking after an intoxicated friend

• Stay with them and get them somewhere quiet and safe.
• Give water, not more alcohol or coffee.
• If they are drowsy or vomiting, lie them on their side (the recovery position) and keep checking breathing.
• Call 000 if they cannot be woken, are breathing irregularly, are having a seizure, or you are worried. The NSW Government says you will not get in trouble for calling.

Getting help at the venue

Venue staff and security are there to help. Licensed venues must refuse service to intoxicated people under responsible service of alcohol rules, and many have safety procedures. Tell staff if you feel unsafe, see suspicious behaviour or need help finding friends.

Getting home safely

• Never drink and drive or get in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
• Use official taxi ranks, booked rideshares (check the car and driver match the app) or public transport.
• Travel with friends where possible, and let someone know when you are home.
• Check last trains and late-night services in advance. Our cover charges and last drinks article covers closing times.

Emergency numbers

Where to go next

• Back to the Australian nightlife guide
• Pacing your drinks on a night out
• Planning a group night out
• ID and entry at Australian venues
• Australian nightlife FAQ