In response to nightlife security considerations, 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 take a look at kits Monday to venues that serve alcohol and to some patrons. The packages include checks that detect whether or not somebody’s drink has been drugged, additionally known as “roofied” — that means dosed with Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) or the same 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 checks can act as a deterrent to any and all predators.
Every equipment comprises 10 checks that detect gamma hydroxybutyrate, additionally known 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 longer term. Bars and eating places may also request extra kits from town.
The Abbey bar in West Hollywood confirmed that it acquired some kits Monday, nevertheless it didn’t provide extra remark.
The choice to roll out checks comes amid anxieties round security, notably amongst official and unofficial stories of people that imagine they had been “roofied” whereas out in West Hollywood. In line with a report by the Metropolis Council in January, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s West Hollywood station acquired 30 stories between 2016 and 2021 through which a sufferer believed their drink was spiked. Seven stories had been made in 2020, and 4 stories had been made in 2021.
All however considered one of these stories concerned allegations of sexual assault, particularly rape.
Provided that the vast majority of sexual assaults go unreported, the precise numbers are positive to be far greater.
The town bought about 2,500 take a look at kits in complete and budgeted about $15,000 for this system within the 2021-2022 fiscal 12 months, which incorporates help for the rollout. There may be 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 line with Danny Rivas, town’s director of group security, 1,900 staff have accomplished the coaching because it launched in March, with a minimum of 400 extra anticipated to take the course.
