Clubs catch 30 drink spikers

Thirty suspected drink spikers have been banned from some of the Territory's big pubs and nightclubs.

The action has been taken by pubs and clubs owned by former Territory police officer Mick Burns.

The premises include Discovery nightclub, Lost Arc and Cavenagh Hotel in Darwin's CBD.

Discovery spokesman Russell Temple said yesterday other Territory pubs and clubs had also barred the 30.

The spikers had been progressively banned after a spate of drink spiking.

"We've banned them from all our venues and from the pubs of any other publicans I can influence and I do try to influence them," Mr Temple said.

"It's right up there with, or even above, some more serious acts.

"Probably three years ago we became aware that it was a problem in the community -- it wasn't just something that you read about or that was happening interstate."

Mr Temple said the clubs had proof that five of those banned had been involved in drink spiking.

The other 25 had been banned after the licensees received reports and intelligence from police and other patrons.

Mr Temple said a further "20 or so" patrons had faced the prospect of a ban.

But they had put a convincing case to management that they were not involved.

"We tell them why they've been banned -- the accusation is so bad that while you may get some argument you don't accept the argument," he said.

"There have been another 20 or so where we've listened to and been convinced by what they've said.

"Within those people there's only been one that has taken it further to question our authority to do that."

Mr Temple said the venues had also taken the step of hiring experts to watch and gather evidence.

"We've put a lot of time and resources into this. It's a serious issue. We believe it's in decline ... it is not accepted by the community and particularly within the 'clubber' community.

"To use drugs to control people . . . it's despised even among the hardest clubbers."

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 21st August 2004
Source: Northern Territory News
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News