CALIFORNIA – A new California law, AB 1013, set to take effect on July 1, 2024, aims to make it more challenging for drinks to be tampered with drugs at bars and nightclubs. The law requires these establishments to provide drug testing kits capable of detecting substances such as Rohypnol, ketamine, and GHB, commonly associated with drink spiking.
Under this legislation, bars and nightclubs must either sell these testing devices at a reasonable price, reflecting their wholesale cost, or offer them for free to customers. Additionally, these businesses are required to display signage that reads: “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.”
The introduction of this law comes in response to alarming statistics regarding drug-facilitated sexual assaults. A study from the federal Office on Women’s Health, covering the years 2010 to 2012, found that 11 million people reported being raped or assaulted while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Furthermore, a 2016 study in the “Psychology of Violence” journal revealed that drink spiking incidents are more widespread than previously believed. In a survey of 6,000 students across three colleges, nearly 500, or just under 8%, reported being drugged, while a staggering 83% admitted to drugging someone else.
AB 1013 will remain in effect until January 1, 2027, unless it is reinstated by the California General Assembly. The bill was proposed by California Democrat Josh Lowenthal. The testing kits, including a straw, sticker, and strip, will enable individuals to detect the presence of “date rape drugs” in their beverages. This law represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of patrons in nightlife settings.