Pub apologises for drink with date-rape drug name

A pub has apologised after naming one of its cocktails after the date-rape drug Rohypnol.

The Catherine Wheel pub on St Augustines Street, Norwich, posted a picture of the drink "Rolyhypnol" on Instagram on Friday to promote it as the establishment's "cocktail of the month" for April.

DrinkAware said Rohypnol was one of the most commonly known date-rape drugs used by perpetrators to incapacitate a person in order to commit a physical and sexual attack.

In a statement, the pub said: "It was a customer suggestion based on the name Roly, and never intended as a serious acceptance or approval of a drug."

Rohypnol is odourless, colourless and tasteless.

The pub's drink, which contains Tequila and peach schnapps, remains on the menu and has been renamed the Lil' Mexican Peach.

The pub has faced criticism on social media since posting the drink's name and said it did not intend to cause offence.

"The cocktail has been renamed as a result of the online backlash," it said.

"The Catherine Wheel apologise for any offence caused."

Dawn Dines, chief executive of the charity Stamp Out Spiking, said: "It is very disappointing to read of this cocktail being named after the date rape drug, Rohyphol. It was obviously meant as a joke, but it is in rather poor taste.

"This is why we believe urgent training is needed across the hospitality sector, to educate on the severity and seriousness of these cowardly crimes.

"We are also very pleased to read that they have now changed the name."

Norfolk Police said it had not received any reports regarding the drink or the pub.

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