PRESS RELEASE: UK passes landmark anti-spiking law as Crime and Policing Act 2026 receives Royal Assent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**UK passes landmark anti spiking law as Crime and Policing Act 2026 receives Royal Assent
Stamp Out Spiking, the UK’s national charity dedicated to preventing and responding to drink and needle spiking, has welcomed a major milestone with the Crime and Policing Bill receiving Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, becoming the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
The Act introduces a modern “administering a harmful substance” offence that explicitly covers spiking—replacing outdated 19th century provisions and making it clearer that spiking is serious criminal behaviour. The original release notes that the Act “introduces a modern ‘administering a harmful substance’ offence that covers spiking,” strengthening the legal framework for victims, police and the courts.
In parallel with this legislative breakthrough, Stamp Out Spiking has confirmed Safer Sips as its official Australian representative, expanding the organisation’s international reach and strengthening global collaboration to reduce spiking related harm.
Joint statement: Stamp Out Spiking (UK) & Safer Sips (Australia)
Dawn Dines, Founder & CEO, Stamp Out Spiking (UK), said:
“Some campaigns take years. This one has taken decades. This change matters because it makes the law clearer and more visible… But the law is only one part of the solution. Prevention and proper response on the ground still matter, every single day.”
Gary Woodhead, Director, Safer Sips (Australia), said:
“Australia faces the same challenges seen in the UK—underreporting, inconsistent responses and a lack of awareness about the scale of spiking. Our partnership with Stamp Out Drink Spiking brings global expertise, proven training programs and a unified prevention message to Australia. Together, we are committed to making venues, campuses and communities safer.”
Both organisations emphasised that legislation alone is not enough, and called for coordinated action across universities, licensed venues, event organisers, local governments and community safety networks.
Strengthening prevention and training across the UK and Australia
Stamp Out Spiking is expanding its prevention and response work across the South West of England, including delivering training at the University of Exeter and Falmouth University, supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Training will focus on prevention, early identification and effective responses.
In Australia, Safer Sips will:
• Adapt UK accredited training programs for Australian venues, universities and event operators
• Support national awareness campaigns targeting young adults and parents
• Provide evidence based tools and resources for frontline staff
• Collaborate with state and federal agencies on prevention and reporting pathways
This partnership positions Australia to benefit from more than a decade of UK experience, research and advocacy.
Award recognition
Stamp Out Spiking CEO Dawn Dines continues to be recognised for her leadership in tackling spiking related harm, including winning the Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls Award at the West Country Women Awards in 2024.
Why this matters to Australia
Spiking—defined as administering a substance without consent, often with intent to harm or incapacitate—remains significantly underreported in both the UK and Australia.
The Ministry of Justice has stated that the new UK offence is intended to increase public awareness that spiking is illegal and encourage victims to report incidents. The Act is expected to support more consistent recording and prosecution of spiking behaviour.
Australia faces similar challenges, with police, health services and universities reporting rising concerns about spiking incidents, particularly among 18–24 year olds.
The partnership between Stamp Out Spiking and Safer Sips aims to:
• Improve national consistency in prevention and response
• Strengthen victim support pathways
• Increase reporting and data quality
• Drive cultural change across nightlife and campus environments
What happens next
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 is now law in the UK. Stamp Out Spiking and Safer Sips are urging organisations across Australia to treat this moment as a call to action—strengthening staff training, safeguarding procedures and victim support routes.
Ends