A new state law requires bars to provide lids to deter drink tampering

A new law came into effect this month, requiring bars and nightclubs that serve alcohol to have lids on hand to prevent customers' drinks from being spiked with drugs.

Assembly Bill 2375, written by State Rep. Josh Lowenthal, had garnered support from business owners and customers alike.

Businesses are only required to supply lids if customers request them, but they must keep them available.

A cocktail served in a plastic cup with a lid to prevent tampering per new state law Assembly Bill 2375.

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Gab Chabrán

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LAist

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How businesses are dealing with the new requirement

Corissa Hernandez Paredes, owner of Nativo, a bar and restaurant located in Highland Park, said she’s committed to making her guests feel as comfortable as possible regarding the new law; however, she acknowledges that it poses challenges.

“We've had to strategize," said Hernandez Paredes.

What the lids should be made of is left up to businesses — the law defines them only as “a removable cover of any size that attaches to the rim of a beverage.”

Given that the majority of the drinkware at Nativo is made of glass, she and her team decided to offer plastic cups with lids. However, she's concerned about what this means for sustainability.

Hernandez Paredes said her restaurant will also incur additional costs as part of the new law. (Businesses are allowed to charge extra for the lid, but not to exceed a “reasonable amount.") This comes at a particularly challenging time for many bars and restaurants, which are already facing added costs in terms of labor and rent.

Karla Flores, owner of Bar Flores in Echo Park, said that despite the mixed feelings she has over the added costs and the sustainability, “ I think at the end of the day, as a business owner, you have to think safety first over anything.”

Flores has purchased a single-use fabric drink cover for the top of a glass, which she found on Amazon for about $20 for a 50-pack. But she's confident that, over time, restaurant suppliers will start regularly offering them.

The law builds upon a previous requirement that businesses make drug tests available to their customers. A sign now must read: “Don’t get roofied! Drink lids and drug test kits for spiking drinks are available here. Ask a staff member for details.”

Flores said that despite having drink covers and drug testing kits, people often don’t ask for them simply because they don’t know if they’re available.

What customers think

Santa Monica resident Lani Ako recently visited The Victorian, a popular nightlife destination. She was surprised when her cocktail came in a lidded clear plastic cup with a straw, similar to a to-go cup at a café.

But she thought it was a great idea, especially for a place like The Victorian, which has multiple floors and bars where people come to dance. She liked the ease of being able to take her cup around to different areas of the bar, as well as the safety aspect.

“ I felt fine with it. It didn't weird me out," she said. "It actually made me probably feel better."