South African Breweries
The SAB Spike Detector Coaster

by Geometry Global South Africa & Ogilvy & Mather - Johannesburg

WPPED Cream
WPPED Cream
WPPED Cream
WPPED Cream

Putting a spike in a nasty kind of crime.


In South Africa, “date-rape drug” incidents are common in clubs and on campus.


The effect – of Rohypnol, say, sneaked into a drink – is like extreme drunkenness. The victims, usually young and female, are helpless against abuse or rape. Most have no recall.


South African Breweries (with Global Geometry and O&M Johannesburg), spurred on by “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”, took a traditional bar drinks coaster and, using drug-recognition technology, turned it into a spiked drink detection test.


A woman could test her drink for date-rape drugs by putting a drop on the coaster. If the spot turned blue, she instantly knew the drink had been spiked and could call the emergency number on the coaster.


The publicity around the launch at popular drinking spots brought this nasty crime to public attention. It helped change behaviour, making drinkers more vigilant and responsible.


SAB plan to go national with the coasters.

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