A new law mandating certain alcoholic beverage license holders to offer drug testing devices for sale or at no cost to patrons will take effect beginning July 1.
AB 1013 (Lowenthal) requires establishments with a Type 48 license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to have signage displayed in a prominent and conspicuous location, letting patrons know that drug testing kits are available to test for common date-rape drugs, often referred to as ‘roofies.’
The required signage displays a message reading, “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.” A sample sign is available on ABC’s website and can be downloaded and printed by licensees.
The new law impacts approximately 2,400 licensees across California. Type 48 licenses are issued to bars and night clubs. The license authorizes the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. Minors are not allowed on the premises, and food service is not required.
Licensees will be responsible for procuring testing kits. ABC does not sell or provide kits, and does not recommend or endorse any specific company that does.
Additionally, Type 48 licensed premises must either offer the drug testing devices for sale to customers at a price not to exceed a reasonable amount based on the wholesale cost, or be given to customers free of charge. Drug testing devices could include test strips, stickers, straws or other devices that can detect the presence of controlled substances in drinks. These substances could include flunitrazepam, ketamine, and gamma hydroxybutyric acid.
License holders who do not comply with the new law could face administrative actions impacting their licenses.
6 comments
If the test comes up positive to I get my drink for free?
Look around your life at every woman you know. Your mom, your sister, your aunt, your grandmother, your granddaughter, and know 1 in 3 have been or will be sexually assaulted.
Nuts!
What is “nuts” about this new bill that passed? Is it that the perpetrator might get caught? As someone who has been roofied locally, I absolutely support this. But I’m interested in your response.
Is it still legal to simply get drunk & sleazy?
I had someone slip something in my drink years ago. I did not need a test to know what happened. Even with drug testing unless it’s the bartender I don’t see you finding the culprit.
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