A past awareness campaign in Nanaimo nightclubs/pubs is returning to help create a safer atmosphere amid occasional spiked drinks incidents and high-risk alcohol consumption. (Dreamstime)

By Ian Holmes

high-risk drinking

High-risk and spiked drinks campaign launched at Nanaimo bars

Mar 12, 2025 | 10:49 AM

NANAIMO — Local police with backing from VIU students are trying to put a cork in risks associated with unattended drinks and high-risk alcohol consumption involving young adults.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said posters are scheduled to be placed by next week at several bars and pubs in Nanaimo to draw attention to the issue.

He said spiked drinks, primarily used as a means to sexually assault women and rob men of valuables, is one aspect of the campaign.

“It’s been an issue at times, but it’s not a predominant issue,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW. The biggest issue we see is a lot of youth drinking to excess and mixing that with recreational drugs.”

Posters, like this one, will appear in local bars and pubs, warning people of the dangers regarding spiked drinks. (Nanaimo RCMP)

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The campaign, funded by Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers and support from Bar Watch participants in Nanaimo, features awareness and educational posters created by third year VIU Graphic Design students.

“It’s a term project for the kids but they’re so talented and the end product is excellent, It’s a win-win for the community,” he noted as prize money is an incentive for students.

Cst. O’Brien said the intoxicant GHB, otherwise known as the club drug, can lead to immediate breathing problems, reduced motor function, and decreased awareness.

He said the drug, which can cause disorientation almost immediately, typically wears off between six and 12 hours and may require medical intervention.

The entire aim of what’s otherwise known as the ‘date-rape drug’ is to isolate victims when they’re vulnerable.

While Nanaimo RCMP are reviewing active files of spiked drinks at local watering holes, O’Brien wouldn’t expand much further.

“All we can say is that our members are gathering statements, they’re reviewing CCTV cameras and they’re following up on leads.”

He emphasized the importance of directly reporting allegations of contaminated drinks to Nanaimo RCMP.

Last November, Nanaimo RCMP reported gathering evidence indicating that incidents of spiked drinks had occurred at multiple Nanaimo nightclubs.

Elaine Hosak-Nelson said all customers, in particular young people, should keep an eye on their drinks and not leave them unattended. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Elaine Nelson-Hosak is the owner/operator of Carlos O’Bryan’s on Nanaimo’s Stewart Ave. and a Bar Watch member.

She said their industry “stands strong side-by-side” to be on the lookout for all forms of antisocial and illegal behaviour, whether it’s impaired drivers or disruptive customers.

“We’re our own family in this industry; we get together and discuss any issues that are going on. We talk about how to make things better, we have the police and City of Nanaimo involved.”

Nelson-Hosak said Bar Watch members constantly communicate, including real-time conversations when problems arise.

“We want them (our customers) to be safe, we want them to have a good time and we want them to trust where they go,” Nelson-Hosak said.

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