Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dundee rapper will spiking at debut of
Wristbands offered to keep check on drinks
DUNDEE rapper MC Salum is to offer partygoers at his album launch free wristbands to help them check if their drink has been spiked.
MC Salum, real name Mikey Colville, has been working on his debut album Crocodile DD, a play on Crocodile Dundee, for two years.
Determined to make sure those who attend his gig in Dundee on November 6 have a good time, Mikey has decided to invest some of the cash from ticket sales into wristbands that can indicate whether a drink has been spiked.
He believes it will be a first for the city, saying that he made the decision after a rise in spiking reports.
Concerns have been raised that some women have been spiked by injection, including at bars and clubs in Dundee.
Allegations about the crimes first appeared online earlier this month, with venues promising to up security as police said they were investigating the incidents.
Mikey, 26, says he wants to do his part and make sure everyone who buys tickets for his firstever headline show can enjoy themselves safely.
He told the Tele: “We, as men, need to take responsibility for this too.”
Mikey will also be taking part in training from Big Night Out, which works with the nightlife sector to improve safety.
The artist says he has decided to make the bands free after controversy over some bars charging for them.
He said: “I certainly won’t profit from women’s fear.
“This show is not about profit, it is a celebration, and it can’t be one if everyone isn’t safe.
“The aim of this event was to share my happiness in completing something I have always dreamed of.”
Wearers can dab a small drop of their drink on to the band, with the test field turning blue if it contains the drug GHB.
Mikey admits it is tough for lots of promoters, but he wants to see more done to train staff and bouncers.
He said: “You see a lot of horror stories about bouncers taking young women out because they are too drunk and they are just left until their friends come out instead of being taken somewhere private.
“The bands are really good, but for individuals like myself it can be difficult. However, if you are making money it’s easy to take some out to buy the bands.”
Mikey, who will be performing at Hunter S Thompson, added:
“As men it’s too easy for us to brush it off because it’s mainly a problem for women. It needs to be us that tackles it and sets an example.
“I hope that people will know the wristbands are there and it will stop anyone from even trying it.
“I want everyone to celebrate the music, and it can only be a celebration if everyone is safe.”
Responding to reports of spiking, Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton says the force is investigating allegations across Scotland.