& 
Spiking and Vulnerability Awareness for Venues
Spiking and Vulnerability Awareness for Venues, online in about 30 to 45 minutes on any device. The course covers what spiking is, vulnerability and predatory behaviour, prevention, the immediate response, and reporting and evidence.
Who it is for
Who this course is for
Bar, door, floor, events and management staff in pubs, clubs, bars, hotels, event venues, students' unions and other licensed premises. No previous training is assumed.
- Bar, floor and waiting staff
- Door and security staff
- Event and venue managers
- Students’ union and nightlife teams
- Anyone working in licensed premises
Course content
What the course covers
Five short lessons covering what spiking is, vulnerability and predatory behaviour, preventing spiking in your venue, responding to suspected spiking, and reporting, evidence and aftercare, then a 12-question assessment.
What spiking is
What spiking is, how it happens, the substances involved, and the law.
Vulnerability and predatory behaviour
Who is vulnerable, the signs of vulnerability, predatory behaviour, and stepping in.
Preventing spiking in your venue
Physical measures, staff vigilance, door and search policies, Ask for Angela and welfare provision.
Responding to suspected spiking
The signs, believing the person, keeping them safe, when to call 999, and never ejecting alone.
Reporting, evidence and aftercare
Reporting to the police, preserving evidence, recording, and supporting the person afterwards.
Outcomes
What you will be able to do
- Explain what spiking is and the law that applies
- Recognise vulnerability and predatory behaviour
- Apply practical measures that prevent spiking in a venue
- Respond safely when someone may have been spiked
- Report spiking, keep evidence and support the person affected
Your legal duty
The law behind this training
This course is awareness training for staff in licensed and event venues, in line with Home Office guidance on spiking and the Licensing Act 2003. It is not first aid training or Security Industry Authority (SIA) door supervisor training. Your venue's policies, licence conditions and local police advice always apply. The licensing law in this course is for England and Wales.
One thing to be clear about: if someone may have been spiked and is very unwell, unconscious or struggling to breathe, call 999 straight away. This course does not replace first aid training.
- Sexual Offences Act 2003, s61
- Crime and Policing Act 2026 (offence of administering a harmful substance, including by spiking)
- Licensing Act 2003, s4 and section 182 guidance
- Licensing Act 2003
Practicalities
How the course works
For employers
Buying for a team
Buying for more than a couple of people is easier on an account: one invoice, licences you allocate as staff join, and a report of who has done what and when it expires.
- One invoice instead of one card payment per person
- Allocate licences as people join
- Completion and expiry reporting for your records
- Bespoke versions written around your own procedures
Spiking and Vulnerability Awareness for Venues: common questions
About 30 to 45 minutes, with no time limit: start it, pause it, and come back whenever suits. The certificate is issued as soon as you pass the end assessment.
Yes. Each lesson ends with short knowledge checks, then there is a 12-question assessment with a pass mark of 70% (9 of 12). You can retake it as often as you need.
The certificate is valid for 1 year, and we recommend a refresher every year.
Related