Pub changes controversial cocktail name
The Catherine Wheel pub in Norwich has changed the name of its cocktail of the month after one charity boss deemed it to be “in rather poor taste”.
The pub announced on social media that its cocktail special for April would be a “devilishly smooth” mix of Midori, peach schnapps, Tequila and lemonade which it had called the ‘Rolyhypnol’.
The social media post also included the description: “Sweet, fruity, and goes down way too easily.”
The LGBTQ+ pub later said in its apology for the name that it was “based on the name Roly and never intended as a serious acceptance or approval of the drug [Rohypnol]”.
Partner Content
Rohypnol is one of the most common drugs which drinks are spiked with, sedating the victim and making them vulnerable to assault.
Stamp Out Spiking CEO and founder Dawn Dines called the decision to name a cocktail after a ‘date rape’ drug “disappointing”: “It was obviously meant as a joke, but it is in rather poor taste, which is why we believe urgent training is needed across the hospitality sector. This can provide education on the severity and seriousness of these cowardly crimes.”
After receiving backlash, the pub promptly changed the name of the cocktail from ‘Rolyhypnol’ to the ‘Lil’ Mexican Peach’.
According to a survey from Drinkaware, 2.2% of the UK adult population reported being spiked in 2023, a proportion equivalent to around 1.2 million adults. The same data set also found that LGBTQ+ individuals are almost twice as likely to have ever been a victim of drink spiking, with the proportion at 17.8% compared to 10.6% for their heterosexual peers.
Related news
The price of a pint is 300% higher than in 1990, research finds
