New safety measures for giggoers at Northampton music and arts venue include anti-drink refills

The lab, based on Charles Street in Northampton, said it planned to introduce security guards at the door, ban food and drink from being brought into the venue, issue wristbands to help identify the age of attendees and provide “anti-drink adulteration” equipment on site .

The venue responded to the allegations of “alleged adulteration” on its Instagram page last Tuesday, explaining on Thursday that it had launched an internal investigation.

Laboratory operations manager Kirsty Grace said: “Following rumors of a potential peak on Sunday 19 May, the laboratory has launched an investigation.

“The people who were injected allegedly became unwell after leaving the laboratory and paramedics believed they may have been injected.

“They were advised to go to the emergency room to get checked out, but that didn’t happen.

“The individual did not drink any of the drinks from the lab and does not believe they were poisoned in the lab.”

Miss Grace added that the venue had also received reports of suspicious behavior outside the laboratory and they intended to report the incident to the police.

She added: “We are passionate about providing opportunities for young people to play and take part in performances, and strive to make it a safe and welcoming experience.

“Over the next few weeks we hope to meet with members of young bands to discuss working together within the music industry to support them as musicians in the best way possible and ensure gigs are safe.”

The Charles Street venue is one of Northampton’s leading music and arts venues, catering to up-and-coming acts from the town as well as touring musicians from across the country.

In addition to music, it regularly hosts other creative arts events.

CCTV is in place inside and outside the venue and anyone who witnessed the incident or who feels unsafe is urged to speak to staff as soon as possible.