Cannock Chase Council have provided venues with drink spiking kits and are encouraging residents to be vigilant this festive period - and to look out for the signs of drink spiking when socialising in pubs, bars and nightclubs.

Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink, or their body, without their knowledge or consent.

Food business Rugeley Spice, of Market Street in Rugeley, has been ordered to pay £29,000 in fines and costs following a successful food hygiene prosecution by Cannock Chase Council.

Rugeley Spice Indian Limited was sentenced on 16 December 2023 following an appearance at Cannock Magistrates Court on 5 September 2023, at which Mr Shamim Uddin, for the company, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, including failing to prevent access by pests to the premises.