Thirty thousand coasters involving three different designs are now available for Nanaimo area pub and nightclub operators. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

public awareness

New Nanaimo nightclub campaign targets spiked drinks

Sep 17, 2025 | 4:42 PM

NANAIMO — Awareness and education are the goals behind a new campaign hitting local bars and nightclubs.

Led by Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers (CVICS) in partnership with local bars, nightclubs and other establishments, 30,000 specially designed coasters will be handed out in the coming weeks, advising patrons about spiked drinks and other dangers.

CVICS board member Bruce Stevenson said the initiative is an effective way of spreading awareness.

“Crime Stoppers typically is a reactive organization, but this was a good opportunity for us to be proactive and work with Nanaimo Bar Watch and anyone else that wants to participate. We’re happy to distribute the coasters to anyone that wants them.”

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the coasters were made by a local graphic design company.

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“On the back side, there’s a PSA with about six or seven points of what spike drinks look like and what you can do to protect yourself and your friends.”

O’Brien said the local detachment receives “a handful” of spiked drink complaints annually, adding, “one is too many.”

These drink covers with a straw-opening slit, separate from the coaster awareness campaign, are available at Carlos O’Bryan’s Neighbourhood Pub on Nanaimo’s Stewart Ave. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

He said this awareness campaign is also a good opportunity to address dangerous drinking habits, which he said is timely with post-secondary schools back in session.

O’Brien noted mixing alcohol with other substances can lead to bad outcomes.

“We also know that a lot of them are the result of over-drinking or mixing it with cannabis or other drugs. So, it’s awareness of issues that we want to bring to the forefront in the nightclubs.”

The coasters can be obtained free of charge by e-mailing: president@cvicrimestoppers.com

A similar campaign was launched in the spring when a poster campaign was launched at several Nanaimo bars and nightclubs.

Sporadic reports of spiked drinks emerged last November from a local nightclub.

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