International Stamp Out Spiking Day
July 15
About International Stamp Out Spiking Day
International Stamp Out Spiking Day takes place on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Organised by the UK charity Stamp Out Spiking, the day raises awareness of drink and needle spiking, educates the public on how to recognise and respond to it, and campaigns for spiking to be properly recognised and tackled as a serious crime.
What is International Stamp Out Spiking Day?
International Stamp Out Spiking Day is an annual awareness day dedicated to ending spiking in all its forms, including drink spiking, needle spiking, and the spiking of food or vapes. It is led by Stamp Out Spiking, the UK’s leading charity working on this issue, which was founded by campaigner Dawn Dines. The day brings together members of the public, licensed venues, universities, police forces, and policymakers to highlight how common spiking is, how it can be prevented, and how victims can be better supported. It is aimed at everyone who enjoys a night out, as well as the staff and organisations responsible for keeping social spaces safe.
When is International Stamp Out Spiking Day?
International Stamp Out Spiking Day is held annually on 15 July. In 2026 it falls on a Wednesday. The date is fixed each year, which makes it easy for venues, campaigners, and supporters to plan activities, training sessions, and awareness drives around it well in advance. Because the summer months see a surge in festivals, gigs, and social events, a mid-July date places the campaign at a point in the calendar when vigilance matters most.
Why International Stamp Out Spiking Day Matters
Spiking is the act of putting alcohol or drugs into someone’s drink or body without their knowledge or consent. It can happen in clubs, pubs, bars, festivals, house parties, and student halls, and it affects people of all genders and backgrounds. Stamp Out Spiking describes it as a calculated and often premeditated crime that is far more common than many people realise, and one that remains significantly underreported and difficult to prosecute.
The harm goes well beyond a single night. Victims can be left disorientated, vulnerable, and at risk of further assault, and many are not believed when they come forward. The psychological impact, including anxiety and a lasting fear of social settings, can persist long after the physical effects have worn off. Raising awareness helps people understand that spiking is never the victim’s fault, encourages reporting, and pushes venues and authorities to take the issue seriously. A day like this also gives survivors a platform to share their experiences and reminds the wider public that looking out for one another can prevent real harm.
How to Get Involved in International Stamp Out Spiking Day
There are practical ways for individuals, venues, and organisations to take part and make social spaces safer.
- Use drink protection – Anti-spiking products such as drink covers and stoppers can prevent someone from tampering with your glass or bottle. Keeping a hand over your drink and never leaving it unattended are simple, effective habits.
- Look out for your friends – Agree to stay together on a night out, check in on one another, and watch for warning signs such as sudden drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, or loss of coordination that seem out of proportion to what someone has drunk.
- Know the signs and act quickly – If you suspect you or a friend has been spiked, tell trusted staff or security, stay with someone you trust, and seek medical help. Symptoms can escalate fast, so do not wait to see if they pass.
- Report it – Report suspected spiking to venue staff and the police. Reporting helps build a clearer picture of where and how spiking happens and supports the case for stronger laws and enforcement.
- Support venue training – Stamp Out Spiking trains bar workers, door staff, and security to spot spiking and respond appropriately. Encourage your local venues to take up training and adopt clear anti-spiking policies.
- Share verified information – Spread accurate advice on social media and within your community so that more people know how to prevent spiking and what to do if it happens.
- Fundraise or donate – As a registered charity, Stamp Out Spiking relies on support to fund its campaigns, research, and training. Fundraising or donating helps keep prevention work going.
- Campaign for change – Add your voice to calls for spiking to be recognised as a clearly defined criminal offence and for better reporting pathways and support for victims.
History of International Stamp Out Spiking Day
Stamp Out Spiking was founded in 2019 by Dawn Dines, who has spent more than two decades campaigning on the issue. After hearing countless accounts from victims and seeing the impact of spiking first hand, she set out to raise awareness, support those affected, and push for systemic change at a time when many people did not want to believe the problem was as widespread as it is.
The organisation grew from a grassroots campaign into a structured charity, and in May 2023 Stamp Out Spiking was formally registered as a charity in England and Wales. Its work spans public awareness, the training of frontline staff, research into how common spiking is, partnerships with venues, and advocacy aimed at strengthening the law. Dawn Dines has taken the campaign to Westminster, attending drop-in days to press for clearer spiking legislation and better protection for victims.
International Stamp Out Spiking Day, marked each year on 15 July, has become a focal point for this work. It unites supporters, venues, and partner organisations around a shared message: that spiking is a serious crime, that prevention is possible, and that survivors deserve to be believed and supported. The “international” framing reflects the charity’s ambition to see vigilance and prevention adopted well beyond the UK, even as the campaign remains British-led.
Noteworthy Facts About International Stamp Out Spiking Day
- The day is held on 15 July every year, giving it a fixed and memorable date in the awareness calendar.
- Stamp Out Spiking was founded by Dawn Dines in 2019 and became a registered charity in May 2023.
- The charity trains frontline staff such as bar workers, door staff, and security to recognise and respond to spiking.
- Spiking can involve alcohol, drugs, or needles, and can affect drinks, food, and vapes.
- Stamp Out Spiking campaigns for spiking to be made a clearly defined criminal offence and advises policymakers on how to tackle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Stamp Out Spiking Day?
It is an annual awareness day, led by the UK charity Stamp Out Spiking, that highlights the dangers of drink and needle spiking, educates the public on prevention and response, and campaigns for spiking to be treated as a serious crime.
When is International Stamp Out Spiking Day in 2026?
It takes place on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. The date is fixed and falls on 15 July every year.
Who founded Stamp Out Spiking?
The charity was founded in 2019 by Dawn Dines, who has campaigned against spiking for more than 20 years. Stamp Out Spiking became a registered charity in England and Wales in May 2023.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing International Stamp Out Spiking Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #StampOutSpiking and #StampOutSpiking2026 on social media. The more people who understand how to prevent spiking and support those affected, the safer our nights out become.
Related Awareness Days
- Alcohol Awareness Week – A UK week encouraging people to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and stay safe.
- International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – A global day tackling the harm caused by drug misuse and trafficking.
- Drowning Prevention Week – A UK safety campaign focused on preventing avoidable harm and protecting lives.
Links
If you care about staying safe on a night out, you may also want to mark Alcohol Awareness Week and explore other safety and prevention awareness days across the year.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
