Protective glass covers at bars across Montreal to prevent spiking drinks

New glass protective covers will be available in some bars in Montreal in hopes of keeping drinks safe from GHB, known as the date rape drug.

It’s part of a new pilot project being rolled out by the SPVM and Éduc’alcool, which aims to keep illegal substances out of people’s drinks without their knowledge.

About 10,000 drink covers were distributed for free as part of the “Check ton verre” campaign on Thursday night.

“Administering GHB or any other synthetic drug without a person’s knowledge is a crime and we will work to eliminate these events. In the meantime, I want to provide those who want to ensure their own safety with the tools at their disposal. I would also like this pilot project to encourage the industry to adopt a caring approach towards its clientele and the victims,” said Quebec public security minister François Bonnardel who was present for the launch at Le Rouge bar.

Éduc’alcool says the campaign also aims to reduce excessive drinking.

A QR code will be available on the glass covers that will direct people to a Calcoolateur – a tool that allows people to track their blood alcohol level.

They covers can fit most glasses and are made of recycled aluminum.

“The Éduc’alcool approach aims to help young people become aware of their relationship with alcohol. The “Check ton verre” initiative does just that by raising awareness of the context in which alcohol is consumed and by taking action to prevent the risks associated with excessive drinking. It is a pleasure to work alongside the SPVM and the Ministère de la Sécurité publique to promote this project and to support young people in drinking safely and responsibly. We hope that one of the outcomes of this pilot project will be to encourage licensed establishments to commit to taking responsibility for systematically putting glass protectors on the drinks they serve,” Geneviève Desautels, Executive Director of Éduc’alcool.

“For many years, the SPVM has taken the issue of synthetic drugs and intentional or unintentional intoxication very seriously and we are working hard to address it, both in terms of prevention and enforcement. Over-consumption of alcohol, which we regularly witness, is also of great concern to us. This pilot project allows us to join forces with Éduc’alcool and the Ministère de la Sécurité publique to make everyone aware of the actions and means available to them to drink safely and responsibly, to protect themselves and even to protect those around them,” Sophie Roy, Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigations Branch at the SPVM.

The Montreal Sexual Assault Centre had called on bars and governments to find ways to keep people safe after women spoke out of being drugged without their knowledge in Montreal bars.

If you think you may have had your drink spiked, contact 911 or your local police station. A list of organizations that help victims of sex assault in Montreal is also available here.