New CA law requires drink lids at bars to prevent drugging
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - A new bill designed to keep you from being drugged is now in effect.
Bars across the state must now have a stack of lids available to protect drinks from being spiked. If you want a lid to protect your drink, just ask.
The law, which went into effect Tuesday, aims to deter drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Local bars, like Hunter's Palm Springs, are equipped and optimistic.
“I hope it helps a lot of my customers. They will put something over their drink like paper but that’s not what we want happen. We want these where it’s more secure, tightly over the top of the drink. You’d have to see someone actually get in there and you have time to say ‘hey, what are you doing to my drink.’”
Mary Bongard, Hunter's Palm Springs manager
Some patrons see possible holes.
“People start drinking, you get a little more liberated, mentally, physically, and I don’t think people really think it through.”
Conrad Miller, Palm Springs resident
California bars and nightclubs are already required to post signs letting customers know that drug-testing kits are available. Now they have to keep a stack of lids handy — one more method for protecting patrons.
It's supported by the LGBTQ+ community and alcohol safety organizations.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.