The Sure Community Foundation and The Health Improvement Commission have provided funding for thousands more DrinkSeals to be distributed free of charge across Guernsey, giving islanders an additional tool to help reduce the risk of drink spiking.
The latest funding takes the total number of DrinkSeals ordered for the island since night-time economy charity SafetyNet first introduced them in 2024 to 7,500. The eco-friendly, reusable covers stretch over most glasses and cups, leaving a small opening for a straw. They can help make it more difficult for someone to add a substance to a drink without the drinker’s knowledge, while also preventing accidental spills. Each DrinkSeal can be washed and reused and has a lifespan of up to five years.
The DrinkSeals funded by The Health Improvement Commission will be donated to Choices Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service, for distribution to its service users. A further supply funded by The Sure Community Foundation will initially be distributed at Channel Island Pride, with remaining DrinkSeals continuing to be made available to all members of the community following the event.
While Guernsey has recorded no formally confirmed cases of drink spiking, Guernsey Police received 140 reports of suspected spiking between 2019 and 2025. In March 2025, the States of Guernsey agreed to introduce a specific, standalone offence of drink spiking. Under the new offence, prosecutors will no longer need to prove the perpetrator’s intention; the act of spiking will itself constitute an offence, strengthening the legal framework for tackling spiking in the island.
SafetyNet Chair, Poppy Murray, said: “Drink spiking is something we know causes real concern, particularly for people enjoying Guernsey’s night-time economy. There are misconceptions that only young women are concerned about spiking, but we have heard concerns and experiences from all demographics of the community, which is why the DrinkSeals are available free of charge to anyone who would like one.
“We are so grateful to The Health Improvement Commission and The Sure Community Foundation for their support to help make nights out safer for everyone.”
Lucienne De La Mare, Chair of The Sure Community Foundation said: “The Sure Community Foundation is proud to support initiatives that make a practical difference in our local community. We hope that our contribution will help more people feel confident and safe while enjoying both public and private events in Guernsey, or when travelling off island.”
Andrea Nightingale, Substance Use Lead for The Health Improvement Commission said: “Preventing harm and supporting people to make choices that help them feel safer are important parts of improving health and wellbeing across our community. DrinkSeals have proven very popular to services users at Choices Contraceptive and Sexual Health Clinic and we are pleased to support SafetyNet in continuing to make them freely available.”
Pictured: Left to right – Niamh Garnham (Choices Contraceptive and Sexual Health Clinic); Andrea Nightingale (The Health Improvement Commission); Poppy Murray (SafetyNet Guernsey); Lucienne De La Mare (The Sure Community Foundation)
