VENUES and authorities across Winchester have said they are working closely to protect partygoers from drink spiking in the city.

This comes after a recent flurry of reported incidents on social media through a page believed to be run by students.

The Chronicle spoke to one 19-year-old student he said he had been hospitalised after having his drink spiked during a night out in Winchester in February.

He was found by his friends semi-conscious in the city centre and taken to hospital.

The student, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I have no memory between midnight and 6am at which time I woke up in A&E. I was found by my friends slumped against a wall being sick, sweating profusely, frothing from the mouth, my nose bleeding and dropping in and out of consciousness. It was awful.”

A spokesperson for the University of Winchester said they are aware of the issue and urged students to speak out if they believe they have been spiked.

They said: “All students have a right to feel safe in their university city. We believe every night-time venue has an important role to play in supporting the safety and welfare of their visitors and we have a range of initiatives in place for students on campus.

“We encourage any student who suspects they have been spiked at any venue in the city to report instances to the university, student union and relevant authorities as soon as possible."

Lee Davies, co-owner of one of the biggest venues in Winchester, Vodka Bar and Nightclub, said he and his staff have taken several steps to allay fears of spiking.

He said: “We take drink spiking incredibly seriously. We are working closely with local authorities to try and prevent it as best we can. We’ve brought in drink covers and every drink we serve, we now ask whether they want a top for it.”

Councillor Roger Bentote, chairman of the Licensing and Regulation committee at Winchester City Council, said drink spiking was a “serious problem” but added that they had not seen any instances reported to the committee.

Home secretary Priti Patel recently said spiking is a new and “appalling” trend and has asked officials to look at how the government can prepare an offence that will target the crime directly.

There is currently no standalone legislation for spiking, and such reports are dealt with using the drugging offence or under the Sexual Offences Act (Scotland) 2009.

Winchester MP Steve Brine welcomed the proposed change.

He said: “Drink spiking can be really serious, and a clear message needs to be heard by anyone who thinks it’s a bit of harmless fun. I am pleased the home secretary promised, when she was last before the home affairs committee, to look at how we can create a specific offence. It’s something I would be keen to support in parliament.”