HARRISBURG, PA — State officials and industry leaders on Wednesday announced a new initiative aimed at raising public awareness of the dangers of spiked drinks, unveiling posters and educational resources designed to help prevent assaults and theft tied to the crime.
The campaign, led by State Rep. Dan Deasy of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) Chairman Darrell Clarke, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Major Robert L. Bailey, and Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association President Tom Tyler, highlights the risks of unattended beverages in bars, restaurants, and public spaces.
Posters bearing the message “Never Leave Your Drink On Its Own” will be distributed statewide to liquor licensees, colleges, and community partners. The materials outline prevention strategies, warning signs that a drink may have been tampered with, and common physical symptoms of drink spiking. Smaller informational cards with detailed messaging will also be available.
“This is truly about safety, and we want to make the public aware,” Deasy said, stressing that drink spiking is not limited to alcoholic beverages. He emphasized that victims have been both assaulted and robbed through these incidents.
Clarke underscored that “drink spiking is a crime, and it’s never the victim’s fault,” adding that the posters will be distributed alongside Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) trainings to broaden prevention efforts.
Tyler, who owns McStew’s Irish Sports Pub in Levittown, noted the campaign’s importance for bar owners, saying education and vigilance are critical because bartenders and servers can only do so much to monitor patrons’ drinks.
Bailey said the PSP will continue inspections and enforcement while working with law enforcement, colleges, and communities, but stressed that “public awareness and community vigilance are vital” to reducing risks.
The PLCB will provide the posters and resource cards at more than 40 RAMP training locations across the state and make them available online through the PLCB+ regulatory system. Materials will be mailed free of charge to those who request them.
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