Bars and nightclubs in California with a type 48 liquor license are now required to carry date rape drug tests as of July 1st.
Assembly Bill 1013 says that bars and nightclubs must have date rape drug test kits on hand for their customers. Date rape drugs are more commonly known as “roofies,” and the bill was passed to “protect individuals from being unknowingly drugged or becoming victim to other crimes that often ensue,” according to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Bars that are required to carry the tests fall under the Type 48 liquor license which only allows drink sales, while bars and restaurants that serve food fall under the Type 47 license and won’t be required to carry the tests.
The bar or nightclub is responsible for purchasing the kits and putting up signage indicating that tests are available. The bill says that while the establishment is responsible for carrying the kits, the bar would not be held liable if the test was defective or inaccurate. Under the bill, establishments can charge patrons for the kit, although it specifies that the cost should not exceed a reasonable amount above the wholesale cost.
We don’t have any nightclubs here, but there are bars that hold a Type 48 license in the Morongo Basin. I called The Virginian in Twentynine Palms and spoke with bartender Kari Wilfen. She said that the signage letting customers know about the tests went up behind the bar on July 1st, and that they won’t be charging customers who request a test. Kari said that while its only been a couple of days with the signage and tests, it’s nice to know that the tests are available in case someone needs them.
