You want to look out for your besties, and so do we. Sometimes, though, the unexpected can happen.
We hope you’ve never experienced being spiked or seeing one of your friends get spiked, but, if the worst case scenario happened, would you know what to do?
According to Malibu’s Censuswide I Got You B.A.B.E.S report, 65% of 18-25 year olds surveyed have noticed an increase in spikings since the pandemic, with 73% of people unsure of what to do in a spiking situation. 70% of victims of spiking also admitted to feeling vulnerable, not knowing where to turn for help on nights out when it occurred.
Luckily, you don’t have to be left in the dark about spiking safety any more thanks to Malibu’s incredibly informative (and incredibly catchy) tune with content icon, Munya Chawawa, and West End star, Amber Davies.
Listen to the song below.
The song features sweet yet important lyrics like “Be chatty with your hun, keep talking one-on-one” and “Alert bar staff or security, or anyone you can see””.
The popular rum-based coconut spirit brand’s new five step protocol is designed to educate people on what to do if they or a friend were to become the unfortunate victim of spiking.
The five steps are as memorable as they are possible; just remember B.A.B.E.S:
Buddy up - Stay with your friend
Alert staff - Speak to bar or door staff for assistance
Be chatty - Keep your friend talking
Emergency call - Call 999
Switch to water - Sip water, not alcohol
To make sure this guidance is both accurate and effective, Malibu worked with Good Night Out, the global campaign for safer nightlife, who have been supporting venues worldwide for ten years.
Speaking about the B.A.B.E.S acronym, Munya said: “It's really easy to remember, it's very handy to know, and it's probably the ultimate way of having your friend’s back.”
“I feel like our generation is really savvy. More and more we're developing this toolkit of stuff that we remember for certain situations. Everyone remembers the recovery position from school. You hear it once and you go ‘Hopefully I never have to use this. But at least I know now I've got that environmental toolkit.’ and I feel like [B.A.B.E.S] is a really nice addition to that.”
Munya, known for his comedic super powers and lyrical genius, chose the ‘B.A.B.E.S’ as a way of tapping into ‘hun culture’. Talking about how he writes his songs, he said: “I always think funny-slash-fun first and then you can embed the meaning into that.”
Speaking on the campaign, Amber said: “I have seen first-hand that when faced with a spiking situation, people are often unsure what to do or where to begin.
“Reflecting on my own experience, it would have been so reassuring for me and my friends to have had access to B.A.B.E.S, so we have created these practical and memorable steps, that means everyone can look out for their besties.
“Spiking is far more common than we think, that’s why I was so eager to work with Malibu on this campaign. This isn’t to spread fear - it's so people have clear information of what to do if it happens. We want everyone to have the best night out with their friends.”
Munya added: “I'm a big advocate for using comedy and light-hearted content to instigate meaningful change. Teaming up with Malibu on this project hopefully gives us all the nudge to look after our friends and those around us on a night out.”
As well as educating young adults with the memorable track that’s guaranteed to stick in their minds and help them in times of need, Malibu is working with Stamp Out Spiking to train 2000 festival, bar, club and convenience staff and consumers to know how to deal with a spiking situation safely.
This is the second year of Malibu's ongoing Good Vibes Only campaign which aims to create safer nights out for everyone. The alcohol brand is also donating £20,000 to the charity so it can continue to tackle the increasing incidents of drinks spiking across the UK and Ireland.
If spiking happens to one of your faves, remember B.A.B.E.S. #IGOTYOUBABES
Search Malibu I Got You B.A.B.E.S. to find out more.
Featured Image Credit: Malibu Rum UKTopics: Food And Drink