California bars and nightclubs must post prominent signs that let customers know that drug test kits are available. Now they need to keep stacks of lids on hand – another way to protect customers from drugged drinks.
The new legislative bill, which came into effect Tuesday, requires state facilities where alcohol is sold for on-site consumption to cover up at customer requests.
The owners of the Los Angeles bar and nightclub that The Times spoke to were apparently stunned by the change.
A spokesman for Mother Road in West Hollywood said the only difference in operation is the stack of plastic lids at the edge of the bar, which is offered free of charge.
“We didn’t have a lid here before, but now we have them,” they said. “It’s not much different. It’s not costing.”
Written by Rep. Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), Congressional Bill 2375 was supported by alcohol safety organizations such as the LGBTQ+ and California Alcohol Policy Alliance and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
The law is based on an earlier bill that came into effect last year. AB 1013 – Previously written by Lowenthal, who ran a nightclub, you will need to display a “famous” sign that notifies patrons that they can ask for a drug test kit. AB 2375 passed unanimously last year through the home and Senate rooms. The facility must display a sign that reads “Don’t get the roof! Drink the spike spike drug test kit here. Ask staff for more information.”
According to the bill, there is no requirement to provide a lid unless requested by the customer. However, there is an option to charge a “reasonable” price for the lid if the facility chooses.
The law will be enforced by the Alcohol Beverage Management Office, which issues alcohol licensing for California bars and nightclubs. According to the department, this and the possibility that they failed to comply with last year’s bill could affect the facility’s liquor license.
However, the spokesman said there is no “special” enforcement of the new regulations for now. If they are not following the law, bars will simply be notified during inspection, said Devin Blankenship, department spokesperson.
Blankenship said the department will primarily focus on education and notification of license holders for the new law.
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