'Don’t get roofied': New California law to require date-rape testing kits at bars

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A new law is set to go into effect in California this summer that would require bars and night clubs serving alcoholic beverages to offer kits for testing common date-rape drugs.

AB 1013, introduced by Asm. Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), requires bars with a Type 48 license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to offer the date-rape drug testing kits and display signs informing the public that they are available.

A Type 48 license refers to bars and night clubs that serve beer, wine and distilled spirits, where minors are not allowed and food service is not required.

The new law is set to go into effect beginning July 1, 2024.

The required signage on bars will read, “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.” The department says a sample sign is available on their website and can be downloaded and printed by licensees.

California will not sell or provide kits — state licensees have to get their owns testing kits. The new law also mandates that the testing kits are not too unreasonable in price or that they are given free of charge.

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control officials emphasized that bar or club owners who do not comply with the new law could face administrative actions that could impact their licenses.