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Clubs and bars in the state must now offer kits to check that drinks are not spiked

Posted on by angelo

Two men drinking a glass of alcohol
Posed by models (Photo: Shutterstock)

California has passed a new law requiring bars and clubs to offer kits to check that drinks are not spiked.

Assembly Bill 1013 took effect Monday after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it late last year.

It requires bars and clubs to provide drug testing kits for drugs such as ketamine, flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid).

The kits will include “test strips, stickers, straws and other devices designed to detect the presence of controlled substances in a beverage.”

It only applies to establishments with a Type 48 liquor license, which includes those that sell alcohol without food. Therefore, most restaurants will be exempt.

Businesses can offer kits for free or sell them (at or near wholesale price) and must display a sign that says: “Don’t do drugs! Drug testing kits containing drugs are available here. Ask a member of staff for details.”

“Drugging another person without their consent or knowledge is a crime.”

Although ketamine and GHB are used in nightclubs and at parties, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists them among other substances used to commit sexual assault. Their effects are amplified when mixed with alcohol.

Both of these substances are odorless and tasteless. They can cause feelings of detachment, intoxication, euphoria, muscle relaxation, amnesia, and sleep. If a person’s drink is contaminated with these substances, they may be left helpless and unable to defend themselves against sexual assault.

“Drugging another person without their consent or knowledge is a crime,” the DEA warns. “The definitions of rape and sexual assault include having sex with a person who is unable to consent because they are drunk, drugged, or unconscious.”

It is also easy to overdose on drugs, especially GHB. This poses a danger to anyone who takes it, intentionally or unintentionally.

The California legislation was led by State Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach).

“People want to go out and have fun without having a target on their back,” he said, Easy Reader reports.

The new law will apply to about 2,400 establishments, including some of the country’s best-known gay bars, in cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles.

If you are out and about and suddenly start to feel nauseous, dizzy, disoriented, or drunk even though you haven’t had much alcohol, consider the possibility that your drink may have been spiked and seek help.

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