Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office Partners with Lewiston Bars to Combat Drink Tampering During Awareness Month
Lewiston Businesses Join Forces with Prosecutors to Protect Patrons
LEWISTON, Idaho — The Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office is partnering with local bars and restaurants this April to distribute reusable drink covers aimed at preventing drink tampering and raising awareness about sexual assault. The effort, timed to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, brings together law enforcement and the private sector in a community-driven prevention initiative.
Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman is leading the charge, working directly with area establishments to get the protective covers into the hands of customers. Several Lewiston businesses are already participating, including The Wrangler Bar and Grill, Hideout, Hops and Vine, Corner Villa, Jollymore’s, Groundwork Brewing, and Brock’s and Bravas. Coleman says any business wishing to join the effort can contact his office, which will supply the covers at no cost to the establishment.
“By providing these cup covers, it not only lets women know, ‘Hey, this is happening here, be aware of it. Be mindful of your surroundings,'” Coleman said. “But also hopefully they use them and that will deter people from trying to drug them and also just protect their drinks in general.”
The covers are designed to be reusable, making them practical for regular use on a night out. Coleman encouraged patrons to keep them on hand whenever they go out. “If it gets dirty, wash it, throw it in your purse, and have it with you whenever you’re out having drinks,” he said.
Quick Action Critical If a Drink Is Tampered With
Coleman stressed the importance of recognizing the warning signs of drink tampering quickly. According to the prosecutor, symptoms can appear within 15 to 20 minutes of consuming a drugged drink and may persist for hours. Common warning signs include dizziness, confusion, and in serious cases, complete loss of consciousness.
“It really does create a sense of unawareness,” Coleman said. “Individuals can completely black out from these drugs at different times.”
Anyone who suspects their drink has been tampered with is urged to call law enforcement immediately and proceed to the hospital. Medical staff can provide care and collect physical evidence that could prove critical in a subsequent criminal investigation. Coleman emphasized that acting quickly significantly improves the chances of both proper medical treatment and successful prosecution.
Coming forward after a drug-facilitated assault can be an emotionally difficult decision, and Coleman acknowledged the barriers survivors often face. He pointed to organizations like the YWCA, which has trained victim advocates available to help survivors understand what happened to them and what options they have going forward.
“They can talk them through what they went through and the choices they have going forward, and also explain the process if they decide to pursue a criminal case,” Coleman said.
The prosecutor was direct in sending a message to survivors: his office will take their reports seriously and pursue justice on their behalf. “They’ll be believed, and we will go forward on the case and prosecute it in the way it needs to be for them to get justice,” Coleman said.
Coleman emphasized that raising public awareness about sexual violence broadly — and drink tampering specifically — is a responsibility that extends beyond law enforcement. He called the partnership with local businesses a meaningful step toward making Lewiston’s bar scene safer for everyone. “I think the more awareness that we raise about this issue — sexual violence in general, but also being protected while you’re out trying to have a good time — the better,” he said.
What Comes Next
The Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office says the drink cover distribution will continue throughout April as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Businesses interested in participating can contact the prosecutor’s office directly to receive supplies. Residents seeking support services can reach out to the YWCA, which provides trained advocates for survivors navigating the aftermath of sexual assault and the criminal justice process. For more statewide coverage of public safety initiatives across Idaho, visit idahonews.co, and for regional news across the network, visit IdahoNewsNetwork.com.