The MP for Worcester has claimed that bars and clubs "take spiking very seriously" in Worcester, as MPs ask for action to be taken across the country.

A recent report from the Home Affairs Committee said bars and clubs with a bad track record on spiking should be required to improve if they are to have their licences renewed.

The report went on to say that not enough is being done to support spiking victims and it will remain an “invisible crime” unless action is taken to improve awareness.

Worcester News: Robin Walker, MP for Worcester.Robin Walker, MP for Worcester. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Walker said: "When I have been looking at casework in regard to drink spiking, I have found that bars and clubs in Worcester have been always very keen to help and provide anti spiking equipment and knowledge.

"I believe it is certainly right that if there are clubs and bars that have a poor track record and have been consistently hit with these issues then action should be taken.

"The difficulty is that this crime is particularly difficult to spot in bars and clubs but I am confident that the matter is being taken seriously."

The report said that local authorities and licensing authorities need to ensure that venues have adequate security and staff trained to identify spiking incidents.

Worcester News: Cllr Allah Ditta.Cllr Allah Ditta.

Cllr Allah Ditta, chairman of the licensing and environmental health committee at Worcester City Council, said the situation is "difficult to manage".

He said: "It is a very difficult situation to manage, we ask for CCTV to be regularly reviewed if there are ever any cases that are brought to our attention.

"Over the 12 months that I have been chairman of the committee, I have only been made aware of one case.

"If any of the clubs and bars need support we are always up for ways that we can try and help crackdown on spiking and support them in any way we possibly can."

A local charity has been working on training nighttime economy staff on what to do to help tackle drink spiking.

Kerrie Best, head of operations for Purple Leaf (the training arm of the Rape or Serious Sexual Assault charity The Glade), said: "We have been implementing bystander training for nighttime economy staff to help them understand how to safely intervene and help if they come across spiking and other sexual abuse.

"It is certainly happening and it is really important that it is being tackled."