St. John’s Ward 2 Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft is seeking meetings with the Downtown Business Association and the George Street Association regarding a rising number of reports of patrons being drugged while enjoying a night out in the city’s downtown.

The RNC earlier this summer issued a number of warnings to people not to leave their drinks unattended and to seek help immediately if they suddenly feel unwell or more intoxicated than they should.

To date, the RNC has received four reports into potential drugging incidents, and the investigations are continuing. There have been no reports of sexual assault in connection with those reports.

Ravencroft says the reports are concerning and while the city’s jurisdiction is limited, she will be seeking meetings with the appropriate business groups to discuss possible solutions.

“We know that cultural change is necessary,” says Ravencroft.

“I’m a survivor of sexual violence; I know the severity of these things,” she says offering her support to anyone affected.