SAN DIEGO — A new law goes into effect July 1 that will require bars and nightclubs with a type 48 license to offer drug testing devices to its customers.
“This new law is going to really provide an extra source of protection in case somebody wonders whether or not their drinks been spiked,” Legal Analyst Wendy Patrick said.
Assembly Bill 1013 will require test kits "roofie tests" be made available to customers to help detect the presence of control substances in drinks. The drug testing devices include test strips, stickers and straws.
Businesses will have to display signs letting customers know they have kits available. Each establishment will decide if they will charge a fee or give the testing kits away for free.
“I think it's unfortunate that we live in a time where you have to have those things but everyone, men, women should be safe,” Hillcrest bar patron Katherine Hoppe said.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control says on their website the new law impacts about 2,400 licensees across the state.
This new law gives some people comfort knowing there's a resource like these drug test kits available.
“I think it makes me feel more comfortable like again ... hopefully it makes everyone else in the community feel more comfortable as well. Again, being gay and going out and celebrating sometimes you have to be careful of like the environment that you're in,” Hillcrest bar patron Anthony Sarille said.
The California Alcoholic Beverage Control explains that businesses that do not comply with the new law could face administrative actions that could impact their license. For more information on the bill visit legislature.ca.gov.
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