West Hollywood wants to prevent rapes. So it’s giving spiked-drink tests to bars and clubs

In response to nightlife security issues, a brand new initiative is underway in West Hollywood to stem the issue of spiked drinks and the sexual predators who spike them.

The metropolis started distributing date-rape drug check kits Monday to venues that serve alcohol and to some patrons. The packages include exams that detect whether or not somebody’s drink has been drugged, additionally known as “roofied” — that means dosed with Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) or an identical drug.

“This prevention can actually save somebody’s life,” West Hollywood Mayor Professional Tem Sepi Shyne stated. Shyne and Councilman John Erickson proposed the initiative to the Metropolis Council in February, and it handed with unanimous approval.

Shyne additionally hopes the exams can act as a deterrent to any and all predators.

Every equipment accommodates 10 exams that detect gamma hydroxybutyrate, additionally referred to as GHB, or ketamine, two generally used date-rape medication. Testers drop a small quantity of liquid from their drink onto the testing patch, which turns blue or purple if medication are current. Eating places and bars are free to show or promote the kits as they select, Shyne stated.

The town handed out about 400 kits on Monday, a spokesperson for West Hollywood stated, with extra distribution deliberate for the long run. Bars and eating places also can request extra kits from town.

The Abbey bar in West Hollywood confirmed that it acquired some kits Monday, however it didn’t provide extra remark.

The choice to roll out exams comes amid anxieties round security, significantly amongst official and unofficial studies of people that consider they had been “roofied” whereas out in West Hollywood. In accordance with a report by the Metropolis Council in January, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s West Hollywood station acquired 30 studies between 2016 and 2021 wherein a sufferer believed their drink was spiked. Seven studies had been made in 2020, and 4 studies had been made in 2021.

All however one in all these studies concerned allegations of sexual assault, particularly rape.

Given that almost all of sexual assaults go unreported, the precise numbers are certain to be far increased.

The town bought about 2,500 check kits in complete and budgeted about $15,000 for this system within the 2021-2022 fiscal 12 months, which incorporates assist for the rollout. There’s no extra funding in place for subsequent 12 months, however Shyne stated that she hopes this system can proceed if it proves profitable.

Final 12 months, town handed an ordinance for bystander intervention coaching for alcohol servers at West Hollywood venues. In accordance with Danny Rivas, town’s director of group security, 1,900 staff have accomplished the coaching because it launched in March, with no less than 400 extra anticipated to take the course.