Somerville Launches Drink-Spiking Awareness Campaign At Local Bars

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city has launched a new public awareness campaign to help prevent drink spiking at bars and other establishments throughout Somerville.

City Councilor At-Large Kristen Strezo announced this week that informational posters are being displayed at businesses where alcoholic beverages are served as part of a citywide effort to educate patrons about drink spiking ahead of the busy summer season.

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"Never leave your drink unattended, even if you're turning away for a few seconds. Never accept a drink from a stranger," each poster reads. "Make sure your drink is provided by your server. If at the bar, never accept the drink unless you observed the bartender make it."

According to Strezo, the campaign comes after roughly two years of advocacy to encourage the city to develop a public education initiative focused on the issue. She said the effort was inspired by a similar awareness campaign previously launched in neighboring Cambridge and is intended to coincide with the arrival of summer, increased tourism, and more residents and visitors gathering in social settings.

"Happy to report that after those years, Somerville has now created that public awareness campaign," Strezo said in a statement. "I hope it keeps people safe in our city."

Strezo said the campaign comes as drink-spiking incidents have become an increasing concern across the Greater Boston area, making it important to provide the public with information about recognizing the issue and responding appropriately. She emphasized that raising awareness is especially important this summer as the region welcomes an influx of visitors for the World Cup.

At this stage, Strezo said the initiative is focused on public education rather than policy changes; however, she hopes it serves as a starting point for broader conversations about preventing drink spiking and improving responses from public health and medical professionals.

Strezo thanked the city's Communications Department, Economic Development Office, Police Department and Health and Human Services Department, along with East Somerville Main Streets, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, Union Square Main Streets, the Davis Square business community and the City of Cambridge for helping develop and support the campaign. She also expressed appreciation to the local businesses displaying the posters and the volunteers who helped distribute them throughout the city.

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