Safety
Photo Alina Pasiuk
One of the goals of the Vilnius Night Office in developing nighttime economy policy is to prioritize and ensure the health and safety of nighttime economy participants in relation to psychoactive substance use. In implementation of psychoactive substance use prevention and harm reduction measures in this setting we rely on best practice and evidence-based approaches. Our aim is to raise awareness and inform nighttime economy participants while reducing the risks associated with substance use.
Focusing on substance use prevention and harm reduction does not mean that inappropriate or criminal behavior is acceptable.
Prevention and harm reduction allow businesses to adopt and implement policies that are directed towards well-being and safety, and encourage them to respond to the needs of night-time economy participants.
Nightlife venues that have signed the memorandum:
Alchemikas, Bardakas, The Bubbles. Champaneria, Dėvėti, Dūmų fabrikas, Elastica, Estafetė, Gringo, InVino, Kernagis Bar, Loftas, Lukiškių Kalėjimas 2.0, Mello, Monstro Pizza Bar, Nick and Nora, Nijinsky III, Nomads, Opium, Peronas, Pianoman, Plus plus plus, Portobello, Sanatorija, Sparta, ŠMC kavinė, Utopija, 1986 gallery.
The memorandum can be found here.
Training for Nightlife Venues Organised by the Vilnius Night Office
- Prevention and Harm Reduction Training on Psychoactive Substance Use (6 hours), delivered by the educational initiative Be Safe Lab.
- Sexual Violence Prevention Training (1.5 hours), delivered by Ribologija.
- “How to Maintain Wellbeing While Working Nights” (1 hour), delivered by the Vilnius Public Health Bureau (“Vilnius Sveikiau”).
- First Aid Training (4 hours), delivered by the Vilnius Public Health Bureau (“Vilnius Sveikiau”).
Prevention and harm reduction
Psychoactive substance use prevention
It’s a set of actions aimed at preventing the use of psychoactive substances and / or their negative consequences, as well as delaying or reducing substance use.
Harm reduction
It’s an approach that encompasses methods and programs aimed at reducing the harm associated with drug use and ineffective drug policies. This approach recognizes the dignity and human rights of people who use drugs, just like any other individuals, and provides support even when they continue using drugs. Harm reduction services aim to minimize the negative consequences for both individual and public health.
PREVENTION AND HARM REDUCTION TIPS FOR VISITORS
Don’t waste a good party
The most important thing is to have a great time! Remember that using psychoactive substances always carries risks, and mixing them can increase the chances of health complications and overdoses. Being intoxicated can lead to irresponsible decisions.
Test substances when possible
Just because a substaance looks reliable doesn’t mean it’s safe. If possible, use drug testing kits to check what you’re taking.
Rest and protect your hearing
Find a quiet place to rest, drink water (no more than 0.5 l per hour), and take breaks from dancing. Protect your hearing – avoid standing too close to speakers and consider using earplugs.
Look after your friends
If a friend seems unwell, taake them to a cooler, quieter area. If someone loses consciousness or if you’re unsure about their health, call 112 immediately. Seeking help won’t get you in trouble.
Safe sex only
Always carry condoms and use them to protect against sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. Make sure that any sexual activity is fully consensual and that your partner is not too intoxicated to give consent.
Never drive under the influence of psychoactive substances
Using psychoactive substances and driving do not mix. If you have consumed alcohol or any other substances, do not get behind the wheel.
Support
Harm reduction services at nightlife venues are provided by:
Other support
“Vilties linija“
Tel. 116123 (24 hours a day)
Email: 116123@viltieslinija.lt or vilties.linija@gmail.com
(response within three working days. Online conversations take place on Mondays and Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Women’s helpline
Tel.: 0 800 66366 (available 24/7)
Email: pagalba@moteriai.lt or pagalbosmoterimslinija.lt (responds within 24 hours)
Online chats: daily 18:00–21:00
Men’s helpline “Nelik vienas”
Tel.: 0 604 11119 (daily 18:00–22:00)
“Krizių įveikimo centras”
Tel.: 0 640 51555
Email: info@krizesiveikimas.lt (responds within two days)
Publication „Kita stotelė“
Leaflet about alcohol
Poison Information Office
Tel. +370 5 236 20 52
FOR NIGHTLIFE VENUE MANAGERS
Prevention and harm reduction strategies applied in entertainment venues can not only reduce risks associated with alcohol and other psychoactive substance use (such as accidents, overdoses, driving under the influence of psychoactive substances, mixing different substances, etc.), but also help develop the image of a socially responsible, innovative, and safety-conscious sector, improving the quality of nightlife services.
Venue managers, considering the specifics of their location, can choose which prevention and harm reduction measures could be implemented in their venue. Visitor education, the creation of social and physical environments, employee well-being, and collaboration are key areas that can ensure the safety of venue visitors and those around them, protect health, and, in some cases, even save lives.
How can Vilnius Night Office help you?
Date-rape drugs
Date-rape drugs are various substances that render a person incapacitated and highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation or assault. One of the most common date-rape drugs is alcohol, but intoxication can also occur through pills or injectable substances. These substances can be administered quickly, with the victim unaware and not knowing that someone is attempting to take advantage of them.
No matter how much you drank or what you took, sexual violence is never your fault—it is always a conscious choice made by the perpetrator.
How to identify a drink that has been spiked?
A changed drink color, taste, or smell, more bubbles than usual, or a cloudy appearance could be signs of tampering. However, sometimes a drink spiked with date-rape drugs may look completely normal. That’s why, when going out, always have a safety plan—know what you would do if you suddenly felt unwell, weak, or had trouble getting home.
Effect
Date-rape drugs or excessive alcohol consumption can make you feel:
Intoxicated;
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech;
Trouble moving or controlling your muscles;
Nauseous or wanting to vomit;
A slowed or rapid heartbeat;
Extremely sleepy or confused;
Difficulty breathing;
Loss of consciousness.
Date-rape drugs act quickly, but you may not immediately notice that something is happening. Their effects can last for different durations, depending on the dose and whether they were mixed with other drugs and/or alcohol.
Their duration of action can vary, depending on the amount taken and whether they were mixed with other drugs and/or alcohol.
Alcohol can intensify the effects of these drugs, sometimes leading to serious health consequences and, in extreme cases, death.
Tips that can help you to stay safer in public places
Only drink your own beverages.
Avoid open or shared drinks.
Do not drink beverages offered by others.
Always watch, see, and know where your drink is.
Hold it yourself, even if you have to take it to the restroom.
Do not drink anything that tastes strange.
Stay with your friends. Ask for help if you feel unwell.
Let’s look out for each other and respond to “suspicious” situations – let’s do everything we can to make public spaces safer.
Support
Fire Safety
Fire safety is essential in nightlife venues to protect both visitors and staff from potential emergencies. Large crowds, reduced visibility, and dynamic environments mean that even a minor incident can quickly become a serious risk. Effective prevention measures and emergency preparedness help minimise risks and ensure a swift response when needed. Fire safety is a key part of creating a responsible and safe nightlife culture.
Emergency Preparedness and Civil Protection
Emergency preparedness is an essential part of ensuring safety at events and in nightlife venues. Air raid alerts, major incidents, and other unforeseen situations may require a rapid and coordinated response. Clear guidance and advance planning help protect visitors and staff while enabling venues and organisers to respond effectively to emergencies.
Guidance for Mass Event Organisers
Air Raid Guidance
Civil Protection
Emergency Response
Getting Help
Harm reduction measures can reduce risks, but they do not prevent psychoactive substance use. It is therefore important to know how to respond appropriately when someone requires urgent medical assistance.
Incidents related to psychoactive substance use can affect both a person’s physical and mental health, and all health concerns should be taken seriously.
Health risks may arise when a person experiences adverse effects from psychoactive substances, uses multiple substances at the same time, consumes an excessive amount of a substance, has an underlying health condition that is worsened by substance use, or sustains an injury while intoxicated.
How to respond to a psychoactive substance overdose?
Stay together
Stay with the person and regularly check their condition. If the person is very anxious or scared, sit with them in a calm environment and reassure them.
Check its condition regularly
If the person is very anxious or scared, sit with them in a quiet environment and reassure them.
Call 112
If the person loses consciousness or you have doubts about their health condition, call 112. Provide as much information as possible – dispatchers are trained to provide emergency assistance over the phone and will give clear instructions on what to do next and how to help the person in distress. Be open and honest, as this will help emergency responders give the appropriate help (this will not result in any consequences for you).
Recommendations when providing assistance
Recommendations: emergency situations related to the use of psychoactive substances
Let's Connect
We invite you to discuss the topic of the nighttime economy. Submit your questions, reports, and suggestions.