Berghain outlines harm reduction and welfare protocols amid spiking reports

Berghain has shared resources for harm-reduction practices and guidelines for clubgoers in response to reports of drug and needle spiking at the venue and others.

The famed Berlin venue directly addressed the reports on its website under the heading, “For a safe togetherness”. 

The post reads: “‘Take care of each other and respect other people’s personal space — previously unwritten rules need to be spoken out due to a rise in needle/drink-spiking of clubgoers. While it is important to note that such unwitting, non-consensual and devious assaults happen rarely, every case is one too much — encroaching behaviour is not acceptable, drugging others is a crime and dangerous: offenders are being permanently removed from the premises and reported to authorities.”

The guide covers general advice for attendees, like keeping companions informed of what you consume, the importance of hydrating and resting, and encourages staying informed about substances in circulation via the KnowDrugs app. There’s also an extended list of Berlin-based safety, violence and health-related resources and organisations, such as the Berlin Crisis Service, Outpatient Clinic for the Protection Against Violence, Victim Support Berlin and Walk Home Phone.

It also shares protocols for what to do if you or a friend has been assaulted, is feeling unwell or suspects they may have been spiked at Berghain. The guide prompts people to “get immediate help”, medical and emotional, and “involve any of our staff”, as well as to take note of any physical evidence and details from the incident. For those helping others, the guide stresses the importance of not offering “self-medication” if a fellow clubgoer appears unwell, respecting peoples’ personal space when they might be overwhelmed and to help people affected speak to staff and get medical attention. 

Earlier in June, Resident Advisor shared an account by the artist Zanias, who said she was spiked with a needle at Berghain, and heard from 30 more people with similar experiences, with two of those also occurring at Berghain. Read the RA report in full here. In late 2021, there were multiple reports of spiking in clubs throughout the UK, prompting a parliamentary inquiry.

Read the complete harm-reduction guide on Berghain’s website.