Staying SAfe: Date-rape testing kits Must Now Be Available In All in California bars

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While the authors of a recent bill note that it is difficult to find comprehensive, up-to-date statistics on the prevalence of drink-spiking/drugging, various state officials and police departments from across the country have stated that it is a problem that needs to be addressed. “Date rape drugs”
can cause disorientation, confusion, and temporary paralysis or loss of consciousness—meant to 
make a person’s potential victim vulnerable—and are substances such as flunitrazepam, ketamine, and gamma hydroxybutyric acid. According to the author's office, "the underreported epidemic of drink spiking is often used to facilitate the commission of other crimes, such as sexual assault and rape. While anyone can have their drink spiked, the targets of this act are all too often women. Although drink spiking can be perpetrated in almost any setting, a common location for this activity to take place is at bars or night clubs, where alcoholic beverages are being served.”
 
Under AB 1013, which took effect 7/1/24, establishments must provide kits that can detect these substances. The program will be administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and non-compliance could affect a licensee’s ability to obtain/maintain their license to sell alcohol. Licensees are responsible to purchasing the kits, and are then free to either give the tests away, or charge “a price not to exceed a reasonable amount based on the wholesale cost.” 
 
The bill follows a test program in Long Beach that provided residents with a free test strip that could be used identify specific “date rape” drugs in a beverage. 
 
The new law also requires bars to display a prominently placed sign stating: “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.”