A CAMPAIGN focused on ensuring the safety of revellers enjoying Colchester’s nightlife will promote taking precautions, including “dressing appropriately for the weather”.

Darius Laws, councillor responsible for the economy and business, called drink spiking a “vile, disgusting, criminal act”.

He made the comments during Wednesday evening's meeting of the authority's cabinet.

“The proven numbers of it are low, but that’s not to say that it’s not a problem, because frankly one case of spiking is one case too many,” he said.

He said the campaign would not only cover drink spiking, but would also push a more general message on staying safe while on a night out.

“This is something that gets a lot of press for only impacting on females, that’s not the case, males can be impacted too,” he said.

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“It’s about making sure people know to take sensible precautions, like informing a friend where you’re going, considering pre-booking a taxi, particularly on a Friday and Saturday night at peak times when we know it’s busy and to consider the weather conditions when you’re out and about and what you might want to wear because of that.

“We want people to enjoy the night-time economy. We have a very, very responsive licensed trade who are working with us, who care. I’m confident together the partnership approach we’ve got is going to prevail.

“There’s a perception the night-time economy is perhaps not as safe as it is. I think with this campaign we’re going to make sure people feel confident they can have a good night out in Colchester and do it in a safe fashion.”

Council leader Paul Dundas said the campaign will be launched alongside neighbouring authorities, with an aim of publishing safety information by the beginning of December.

“Time is of the essence with the Christmas season approaching quite rapidly,” he said.