New rules introduced after Bali drink spike as Aussies warned about scams
Experts are warning how Aussie tourists heading to Bali can best protect themselves against a new wave of risky situations.
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High-end resorts and restaurants in Bali are relaxing rules on alcohol consumption to ensure tourists do not fall victim to a sinister of drink-spiking.
In an extraordinary move, staff are allowing Australian tourists to bring their own airport-bought duty free spirits to restaurants and bars.
The holiday-makers then purchase mixers and concoct their own drinks rather than consuming free-poured spirits or cocktails, which could contain local bootleg liquor, including methanol.
Drink spiking and methanol poisoning has long been a serious issue in Bali but it usually affects patrons of backstreet bars and nightclubs — not ritzy establishments.
Bar staff have been known to replace expensive spirits with the locally-fermented arak, which can contain high levels of methanol, as a cost-cutting measure.
The effects of methanol poisoning can include vomiting, hallucinations and severe diarrhoea.
In the most extreme cases, it can lead to kidney failure, blindness, brain damage or death.
Aussie tourists have shared their experiences on social media pages for travellers, with one woman describing how she recently fell violently ill after having a cocktail at a popular restaurant on the island.
“Safe to say I will never have a cocktail again after how sick I got,” she posted on Facebook.
Another wrote: “Alcohol poisoning is real and scary to experience. I always take my own duty free and give it to the hotel bar.”
Perth tradie Colin Ahearn has been a passionate campaigner on the issue for years and has worked with the parents of teenager Liam Davies, who tragically died from methanol poisoning in 2013, to raise awareness of the risks.
His Facebook page, Just Don’t Drink Spirits in Bali, encourages Aussies travelling to Indonesia to take their own spirits to restaurants.
“Some people actually say, look, ‘I’ve got my own spirits — the only way I’m going to drink here is if I can add a bit of this’. You can be discreet and most restaurants are good,” he said.
Hospitals in Bali do not test for methanol poisoning, so there are no statistics on how many people are being affected. Tourists often find it difficult to prove that their drink has been spiked.
Natalie Ball, from Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, said it was vital for Australians to take out travel insurance when travelling to Bali in order to protect themselves as it could save lives.
“Hospitals in Bali won’t treat you until you can prove you have insurance, even if it’s an emergency,” she said.
She said travellers should head directly to the nearest hospital if they or a friend notice any concerning symptoms following alcohol consumption.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was aware of cases where Australians had been victims of drink spiking and methanol poisoning in Bali and that information and tips on reducing risks was available on the Smartraveller website.
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Originally published as New rules introduced after Bali drink spike as Aussies warned about scams
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