Starting July 1st, alcohol-serving establishments such as bars and clubs in California will be required to offer date rape drug testing kits, according to a newly implemented law known as AB 1013. This mandate was passed with unanimous support in 2023.
As per the bill, it is mandatory for all establishments to display signs that read, “Avoid drink spiking! Get drug test kits available here. Inquire with any staff member for further information.” These signs must be clearly visible and the kits should be provided free of cost or at a reasonable price based on the wholesale rate.
According to the law, the test kits should have the ability to detect flunitrazepam, which is commonly referred to as “roofies,” ketamine, and gamma hydroxybutyric acid. The bars and nightclubs holding a Type 48 license, which are the main targets of this law, will not be held responsible for the accuracy of the test kits as long as they have not expired. A pack of ten commonly used test strips can be purchased for around $15.
Alcohol Justice has released a statement in support of the bill, citing the prevalence of drug-spiked drinks. Their statement notes that surveys show incidence rates ranging from 6% to 25%, meaning that even at the lowest reported rate of 1 in 20, it is likely that at least one person in any given bar on a Friday night has or will become the victim of a spiked drink.
According to the California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control, breaking this law will not result in criminal charges but can lead to administrative citation against the license.
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