SACRAMENTO, Calif. (NewsNation) — Bars and nightclubs across California will now offer date-rape testing kits upon request.
The new law, which went into effect on July 1, requires more than 2,400 establishments in the state to offer testing devices that can detect the presence of controlled substances in drinks.
The law also requires “bars and clubs to post ‘in a prominent and conspicuous location’ a notice that reads: ‘Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details,’” the Los Angeles Times reports.
California Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal applauded the new legislation Wednesday during an appearance on “NewsNation Now.”
“It’s outrageous that these drugs, primarily GHO, ketamine, there are a few others, you can’t see them,” he said. “You can’t taste them. You can’t smell them. And they leave the body within 24 hours.”
Lowenthal said they didn’t want the onus of the law being placed on bars, so the law functions as more of a community initiative.
“All of this is about prevention,” he said. “It’s about creating a village approach. It’s about all of us having vigilance around this and having education around this.”
At least 50% of student sexual assaults involve alcohol, and approximately 90% of rapes committed by an acquaintance of the victim involve alcohol, according to Alcohol.org.
NewsNation local affiliate KTLA in Los Angeles contributed to this report.