People are praising this bar in New Orleans for how they dealt with a woman's drink being spiked

Trigger Warning: This article touches on themes of sexual violence.

Drink-spiking incidents are sadly all too common these days, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds but particularly people of color and other minorities. It is hence heartwarming to learn that a bar took significant steps to protect gender and sexual minorities from such threats. On Reddit, a person who goes by the username xXSlimi_Gacha009, asked, “Bartenders of Reddit, what was the weirdest/craziest thing you have overheard while making someone’s drink?” The post quickly went viral as netizens shared their chilling stories, as reported by Bored Panda. One response in particular, however, caught everyone’s attention.

Reddit user @pinkyfitts shared, "Don’t know if this is common but, I was sitting at a bar with a band. It was noisy and crowded. Some girl comes up next to where I was sitting and tells the bartender, 'Excuse me, but I just saw that guy (customer) right there put something in that girl’s drink.' I didn’t see the guy she pointed to."

The person added, "Bartender turns around and said something, I suspect a code word to somebody, and BAM. Immediately, all the lights go on, the manager steps on stage, stops the band, and makes the following announcement: 'Attention: We have a report that someone in this room possibly drugged a young lady’s drink. We request that all women here immediately put down your drink and don’t take another sip. We will replace your drink for free. If you are that young lady, we will notify you when you come to the bar. If anyone is feeling sick or weak, please let us know.'" 

The netizen remarked, "That place rocks," and shared that the bar in question was Tipitina’s, a historic music venue in New Orleans. Known for its lively atmosphere, it’s a spot with a ticketed entrance that hosts some fantastic bands. The Reddit user had been a regular since the late 1980s. While the bar isn’t glamorous, its excellent music and bustling crowds make it a local favorite. The drink spiking incident occurred around 2007 or 2008, shortly after Hurricane Katrina. The person isn’t sure if such incidents were common at the bar, but it was the only time he witnessed it during his visits.

Roofies or date rape drugs were common then and today, when mixed with alcohol, can often lead one to overdose. The fact that they often lack any obvious taste or smell makes them particularly dangerous. As such, toxicologist Jim Campbell believes that drink spiking is far more widespread than official statistics indicate, as reported by the BBC. He notes that while some incidents might be motivated by prankster behavior, others have much more dangerous intentions, such as sexual assault.

If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)