As well as being an authorized distributor of CYD’s drink spike test strips, Shrewsbury-based 1st & Bowery has developed an innovative app used by venues and their customers to record incidents instantly and anonymously. and preserves evidence of spikes.
Developed and validated by University College London and Strathclyde University in the UK for the detection of GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate) and Ketamine (Special K), the strips have been tested on a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. ,false positive.
Activated in just minutes, drinks containing GHB turn pink patches blue, and drinks containing ketamine turn yellow patches orange.
1st & Bowery Director Vince Dovey said:
“We believe that venues that offer test strips to their customers free of charge along with our innovative reporting products will be seen as leading the fight against drink spikes.
“Our app reports incidents by scanning the QR code on two differently designed posters, one for management and staff and one for customers.
“There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that anti-spike measures may soon be required at facilities as a condition for applying or renewing licenses with local authorities. only.”
The operation is running pilot schemes at Albert’s Shacks in Shrewsbury and Telford ahead of a broader launch in early 2023.
Albert’s Shed Director David Gregg said:
“We take the potential scourge of drink spikes very seriously,” he added.