THE owners of a popular town centre bar say they have put in place “enhanced measures” to combat spiking after reports of teenage girls falling unwell.
Yates, in Head Street, Colchester, came under fire last week after two 19-year-old clubbers said they had been spiked while enjoying a night-out.
One of the girls, Isobel Pearce, said they had completely blacked out before regaining consciousness in the bar’s toilets, where they found themselves unable to move.
A spokeswoman for Yates has now responded to the allegations and stressed the pub chain will always strive to keep its punters free from harm.
She said: "The safety of our guests and our team, has always been, and remains, our number one priority.
“We continually review our safety and security procedures to ensure our customers and staff remain safe.
“We treat all allegations of spiking seriously and ask customers to bring this to our attention immediately if they feel their drinks have been tampered with.
“We have attempted to contact Isobel, so that we can understand from her directly the details of her experience.”
READ MORE: Essex Police provide update on Colchester spiking investigation
According to Isobel, after her and her friend were removed from the bar they blacked out again, before awaking in a nearby alleyway covered in their own sick.
They were eventually taken to an SOS Bus and then A&E where they were further assessed and treated by hospital staff.
The teenager’s horrendous ordeal occurred at a similar time to reports of young clubbers and students being unknowingly injected with drugs.
It also came just one month after Essex Police launched what is an ongoing investigation into at least 12 reports of spiking in Colchester.
Helen Dunston, 68, also reported her youngest daughter, 27, had collapsed at a bar in the town centre before becoming “like jelly.”
“We are aware there is increasing concern over alleged increases in spiking in clubs and bars,” added the Yates spokeswoman.
“We have therefore enhanced our measures and employed Guest Support to assist any guests that are feeling vulnerable or unwell.
“These team members are easily identifiable, as they wear a neon armband. We have enhanced security checks on our door.
“We ask guests remain vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to one of our team immediately.”
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