A crackdown on drinks spiking has been launched in the borough this festive period as pubs, bars and licenced premises have been told to 'keep customers safe'.

On Friday (December 8), several licensed premises from across the borough were visited by police with anti-spiking 'packs'.

The licencing officer for the Oldham division of Greater Manchester Police, PC Addison, has been busy working with partners in Oldham Council licensing and community safety team to secure funding for drink spiking prevention measures.

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The packs were put together in readiness for the festive period and were hand-delivered to premises across Oldham, though the town centre was a main focus as it is anticipated these venues will be the busiest.

In Royton, the Railway Hotel, The Barclay, Gin and Juice, Hope and Anchor, Arumba, White Hart, Rumours and the Greyhound Inn all received a visit and a kit.

Shay Wake, Coach and Horses and the Pineapple Inn in Shaw also received a spiking pack, as did the Colliers Arms and Sportsman, in Chadderton, and Milan and Red Lion in Lees.

Over in Uppermill, the premises Muse, Waggon, Granby, Hare and Hounds, Commie and The Railway were all visited by PC Addison and received their own pack.

Finally, the Waterhead businesses, Lowerhouse Inn, Junction Hill and Bear on the Hill, followed by Church Inn, Windmill, Eight Bells, La Fardy and Angler Arms in Failsworth, similarly received a visit to learn more about preventing spiking.

In a post on social media, Greater Manchester Police said: "We hope that this proactive work can be continued by the licensees with additional anti-spiking measures purchased through their businesses in the future.

"The aim is to prevent spiking incidents and assist licenced premises to keep customers safe."

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