Staying safe on a night out: spiking, Ask for Angela and looking after your mates

By Chris Pollitt · Updated 8 November 2026

Most nights out are a good laugh and nothing goes wrong. But it pays to know the signs when something isn’t right and what to do about it. This guide covers spiking, getting help in a venue and looking out for each other.

Spiking

Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into your drink, or into your body, without you knowing. It can happen to anyone, of any gender. It is a crime.

Signs to look out for

• Feeling much drunker than you should for what you’ve had
• Feeling confused, dizzy or sick
• Struggling to stand, talk or see properly
• Feeling very sleepy or losing consciousness
• Gaps in your memory

Reducing the risk

• Don’t leave your drink unattended. If you do, get a new one.
• Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know unless you see them poured.
• Use a drink cover or bottle stopper if the venue offers them.
• If your drink tastes, smells or looks odd, stop drinking it.

If you think you or a mate has been spiked

1. Tell bar staff or security straight away. Venues are trained for this.
2. Stay with the person. Don’t let them go home alone or leave with someone you don’t know.
3. If they are very unwell, unconscious or having trouble breathing, call 999.
4. Report it to the police as soon as you can, on 999 in an emergency or 101 otherwise. Some substances leave the body within hours, so the sooner a test is taken the better.

Ask for Angela

Many UK bars and clubs take part in Ask for Angela. If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened, for example on a date that’s going badly or if someone won’t leave you alone, go to the bar and ask for “Angela”. Staff will know you need help and can get you somewhere safe, call you a taxi or contact security, without making a scene.

Looking after your mates

• Arrive together and leave together. Don’t leave anyone on their own.
• Agree a meeting point inside in case you get split up.
• Share your location with each other on your phones.
• Keep an eye on how much everyone has had.
• If someone is in a bad way, get them help. Don’t put them in a taxi on their own.

Welfare and first aid

Bigger clubs and most festivals have welfare and first aid teams. If you feel unwell, overheated or overwhelmed, go and see them. They have seen it all before and are there to help, not to get you in trouble.

Heat and water

Busy dance floors get very hot. Take breaks, get some air and drink water regularly. Don’t overdo it either. Small, steady sips are better than downing litres.

See also our guides to getting home safely and your first time clubbing.