(PatriotWise.com) — California bars and nightclubs will soon have to provide drug-testing kits to customers that can test drinks for drugs like GHB, ketamine, or Rohypnol, KCRA reported.
The new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October, is set to take effect on July 1.
Under the law, business owners will be required to keep the testing kits at their establishments. The testing kits must be provided to customers either at no charge or at a reasonable cost that doesn’t exceed the wholesale price.
All businesses must also display signage notifying customers about the testing kits. According to the measure, the signs will read, “Don’t get roofied! Drink-spiking drug test kits available here.”
The law will remain in effect from July 1, 2024, until January 1, 2027, unless the California General Assembly reauthorizes the measure.
Long Beach Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal, who spearheaded the legislation, told KCRA that, much like drunk driving, date rape must be prevented before it can happen.
Lowenthal, who owns a bar and restaurant, said his experience as a bar owner inspired him to propose the legislation.
The testing kits include a straw, sticker, or strip that can be placed in drinks to detect the presence of so-called “date rape drugs.”
The law applies only to establishments that hold a Type 48 license, namely places that serve alcohol but do not sell food, like bars and nightclubs.
Lowenthal said the law permits owners to sell the test kits rather than offer them for free to offset the cost, but added that the kits can be purchased in bulk for about 25 cents each.
According to a federal study by the Office on Women’s Health, from 2010 to 2012, 11 million people reported being assaulted or raped while intoxicated, drugged, or high.
A 2016 study published in “Psychology of Violence” found that out of 6,000 college students from three schools, 500 reported being the victims of drink-spiking incidents, while 83 students admitted to spiking someone’s drink.
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