Newsom Signs Lowenthal Bill Enshrining Drink Spiking Protections for Californians

The following press release from the Office of Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal is being shared for informational purposes.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal’s (Long Beach - D) Assembly Bill 1982 that requires bars and nightclubs to provide drink lids and drug testing kits on request. All Californians will now be able to protect their drinks at bars and nightclubs indefinitely.

“AB 1982 is critically important, because it helps raise awareness around drink spiking and it ensures that Californians have access to the most effective methods to prevent these crimes when they go out,” said Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal. “The effects of a spiked drink can’t be reversed once it’s been consumed. Especially when many of the common drugs being used to perpetrate this crime can impact a victim’s memory. Californians deserve to be safe when they are enjoying a night out and prevention is the best way to address this heinous crime.”

“AB 1982 it is a fundamental shift in how we approach safety. We are taking prevention out of the background and putting it at the center of everyday nightlife operations, so that safety becomes a defining part of a great night out,” said Lila Carrillo, Director of the Sexual Harassment & Assault Response and Prevention Office (SHARP) in the San Francisco Mayor's Office for Victims' Rights. “I am grateful to Assemblymember Lowenthal for his leadership and proud of our partnership and shared vision to make this critical crime-prevention strategy a reality. Together, we are moving beyond responding to harm toward a proactive approach that prioritizes prevention, safety, and a thriving nightlife experience.”

Bill details: AB 1982 eliminates the sunset on AB 1013 and AB 2375. Together the bills require that Type 48 licensees (primarily bars and nightclubs) offer drug testing devices and lids for sale or upon request.