A NIGHTCLUB hit back after "false accusations" of people having their drinks spiked appeared on social media.

An online post claimed that several clubbers at the Chalk nightclub in Pool Valley, Brighton had their drinks spiked on Friday, October 8.

However, both the club and Sussex Police told The Argus that they had not received any reports of drink spiking from that night.

Owner Matthew Dimmack said Chalk takes its duty of care to customers “incredibly seriously” and that any reports of drinks being spiked would have been followed up thoroughly.

He said: “We take the care of vulnerable people incredibly seriously and work closely with a number of organisations, including Sussex Police licensing, to ensure we look after those who need help the best we can.

“We vehemently believe that is our responsibility to ensure people enjoy all of their time with us, and that their night isn’t spoiled by the behaviour of someone else within the venue.

“Drink spiking is not only a vile act but a very serious crime, that both we and the Police take incredibly seriously.

“Any reported accusation would be followed up thoroughly. It’s important for people to be conscious of what they are consuming in order to avoid making very serious false accusations.”

Matt added that at a fully trained medic is on site at every club night held at Chalk and that welfare officers are employed to look for and aid vulnerable people.

Sussex Police confirmed it did not receive any reports of drinks being spiked and that the force continues to carry out unannounced licencing checks to ensure rules are being followed.

A spokeswoman said: “The force has a dedicated operation to police the nighttime economy - Operation Marble - through which officers conduct unannounced licencing checks on premises across the city to ensure licence holders and bar staff are aware of, and adhering to, their responsibilities.

“Sussex Police's Brighton and Hove licensing team also works closely with premises that form part of the nighttime economy to make sure they play an active role in ensuring the safety of their patrons, sharing messaging and advice to help people keep themselves safe and identifying vulnerable individuals so they can be protected against crime.”

Any incidents of drink spiking should be reported through the Sussex Police website, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.

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