Washington lawmakers are weighing a bill that could require bars and nightclubs to stock drug test kits, a move aimed at curbing drink spiking and protecting patrons from potential harm.
The proposal, championed by Lake Washington High School students, has gained traction as concerns over safety in nightlife settings grow.
Senate Bill 5330, slated for a committee vote Friday, would mandate certain alcohol-serving establishments to offer test strips, stickers, or straws capable of detecting substances like Rohypnol, ketamine, and gamma hydroxybutyric acid—common agents in drug-facilitated crimes.
Patrons could purchase the kits at a price reflecting wholesale costs, and venues would be required to post signage notifying customers of their availability.
“As young women heading to college, we are scared for our future,” Lake Washington senior Ava Brisimitzis told lawmakers last week. “No one should have to wonder if they’ll make it home safely.”
The measure mirrors a California law that took effect last year, affecting 2,400 venues. However, the initial Washington draft was broader, covering taverns, theaters, hotels, and other locations serving alcohol.
Hospitality industry representatives pushed back, arguing that the mandate overreached. A revised version now limits the requirement to bars and clubs that exclude minors, aligning it more closely with California’s framework.
Sen. Manka Dhingra, the bill’s prime sponsor, emphasized that the goal is collaboration, not burdening businesses. “This isn’t about creating hurdles but ensuring patrons are safe,” she told the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee.
Washington’s complex liquor licensing system has complicated the legislative process, with Dhingra signaling the need for broader reforms.
The debate also touches on messaging: while California’s law mandates signage reading, “Don’t get roofied!” Washington lawmakers opted for a less direct approach to avoid implying victim responsibility.
A 2016 study in Psychology of Violence found that nearly 8% of 6,064 university students believed they had been drugged.
With drink spiking incidents often going undetected until it is too late, supporters argue that increasing awareness and access to testing could be a crucial step in prevention.
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