Rohypnol prank is blasted

Mar 13 2011 by Ruth Lawson, Sunday Sun

A CONTROVERSIAL online advert for a North nightspot event that appeared to promote use of Rohypnol has been branded “disgusting” by a date rape charity.

The distasteful advert for a weekly event at the Riverside nightclub in Newcastle surfaced on Facebook, reading: “Riverside Friday - an unforgettable night - in association with Rohypnol.”

Now a leading charity has blasted the event for what they say is the irresponsible “promotion” of the extremely dangerous drug.

Graham Rhodes, of The Roofie Foundation, which provides support to victims of drug-rape and other sexual offences, said: “It’s absolutely distasteful and what should happen is everybody should march outside and challenge the drinks licence and shut it down.”

He added: “It’s like playing a Gary Glitter song in a children’s playground. Unlike some drugs, Rohypnol is never taken voluntarily, it’s purposely put into people’s drinks, so in effect they are promoting drinks spiking.”

The Facebook page for the weekly night – dubbed Riverside Friday – promised cheap drinks and encouraged people to “lose their inhibitions”.

Mr Rhodes added: “What’s ironic though is they are saying it will be an unforgettable night and that proves they don’t know what they’re talking about because Rohypnol makes you forget things – whether they are saying it as tongue-in-cheek, I don’t know.”

Riverside, formerly called Sea, is owned by national chain Orchid Group. Bosses at the company said the Facebook page was set up by a third party promoter and Riverside had no knowledge of the site and the comments included within.

Paul Storey, area manager for Riverside, said: “It was completely inappropriate and we’re extremely sorry for any offence caused.” The Riverside Friday club night is run by a group of students.

Dan Brooks, who set up the Facebook page, said the Rohypnol comment was added by a friend as a joke when he left his computer unattended.

He said: “We use numerous Facebook event pages each week and, regrettably several hours had elapsed before our attention was drawn to this issue. Once we were alerted we immediately rectified this and sent out a message to all members of the group apologising for any offence caused and reiterating our stance on responsible conduct.

“Once this particular issue was brought to our attention we immediately contacted the licensing department of the police, who were satisfied with our response to the incident.”

Anyone who has been a victim of date rape can contact The Roofie Foundation on 0800 783 2980 or online at www.roofie.com