A new law requiring bars and nightclubs to stock drink-spiking test kits is taking effect in California this year.
The bill, AB 1013, was first introduced by California Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal in April 2023 and mandates that nightlife venues offer patrons “test strips, stickers, straws and other devices designed to detect the presence of controlled substances in a drink,” namely, common date-rape drugs such as ketamine, GHB and flunitrazepam, otherwise known as Rohypnol or “roofies.”
Speaking to the assembly upon the bill’s introduction, Lowenthal said, “We have a crisis that’s taking place that’s resulting in sexual assault, that’s targeting primarily women and members of the LGBTQ communities.”
A bar and restaurant owner himself, Lowenthal added, “I have members of my staff that have been roofied. There are members of the legislative body that have been roofied.”
Shortly after its introduction, AB 1013 passed its first legislative committee with bipartisan support and a unanimous 18-0 vote. It officially became a law following approval from the governor in October.
California venues must now begin implementing the test kit protocol prior to July 1, 2024. Bars may charge customers for the kits, but prices must not exceed “a reasonable amount based on the wholesale cost,” according to the bill. These test kits can be purchased online for less than a dollar per test, an average price of around 25 cents each when bought in bulk, according to Lowenthal.
Establishments can also offer the kits for free and will be required to post an on-site notice that reads, “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.”
The law will only apply to businesses with Type 48 licenses, which serve alcohol but don’t sell food.
Featured image from Unsplash.com.
