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Council Committee Hears Survivors and City Plans to Combat Drink‑Spiking Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day
Summary
Survivors, public‑health officials and police told a Boston City Council committee that limited toxicology testing, uneven reporting and sparse training at nightlife venues impede investigations. Panelists described data‑collection steps, a 2026 expansion of drink covers and coordination around large events.
Boston — Survivors and city officials told the Boston City Council Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice on March 12 that gaps in testing, reporting and training undermine investigations into drink‑spiking and drug‑facilitated sexual assault, particularly ahead of high‑traffic weekends such as St. Patrick’s Day.
Chair Henry Santana convened the hearing (docket 01167) to review progress and opportunities for prevention and survivor support. Lead sponsor Councilor Clarissa Zapata opened by noting reported suspected drink‑spiking incidents of 116 in 2022, 107 in 2023 and 71 in 2024 and said the city has partnered with the Boston Police Department and the licensing board to improve tracking and outreach.
Survivors told the committee about frustrating experiences seeking medical care and records. "I was drugged in late 2022 … and I was refused a toxicology screen because I hadn't been raped," said Elana Katz Katz, who said she filed a public records request in August 2025 and had not…
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