DRINKERS at a York bar have been given extra protection against potential drink spikers by a novel new bottle stopper.

Rumours, in Micklegate, is thought to be the first licensed business in the city to begin trialling the new gadget, which aims to prevent drugs or other substances being added to bottled drinks.

The cork-like object fits in the top of bottles and cannot be removed. It costs just a few pence and has a space for a straw which allows liquid out, but stops anything being pushed in.

Supplier Tom Watherston said he had started stocking the Spika Stoppa after a friend fell ill after her drink was spiked while on holiday in the Mediterranean.

Fears have been raised nationally that women drinkers could be vulnerable to disabling drugs that leave them helpless and vulnerable to a sexual assault.

But while York police licensing officers said they welcome anything that helps to protect the public, they added that there have been no confirmed cases of drink spiking in York this year.

Mr Watherston, who is the director of York Janitorial Supplies, said he looked more closely at the problem after a friend told him her drink was spiked while in Cyprus with friends.

He said: "Many bottles have labels on them which completely cover the contents and stop you seeing if something has been put inside.

"These bungs might not offer complete prevention, but they are a very effective deterrent and will help raise awareness of the problem as we approach the busy Christmas period."

Bar manager Arthur Swaine, of Rumours, said the cost of the stopper was being covered by drink prices which will not go up.

He said: "We are looking forward to see how our customers react to the stoppers. If it is a success and if it highlights the danger of drink spiking, then we hope others will adopt them too."

Updated: 12:35 Saturday, November 20, 2004