California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued an industry advisory on October 9, 2026, confirming that drink-spiking safeguards for Type 48 licensees are now a permanent fixture of state law rather than a rule that was set to expire.
Assembly Bill 1982 (Lowenthal, Chapter 377, Statutes of 2026) repealed the sunset dates that previously applied to these requirements. Type 48 licenses cover on-sale premises that operate primarily as dance venues, including many nightclubs, so this affects a specific slice of California’s hospitality businesses rather than every bar or restaurant.
Under the now-permanent rules, Type 48 licensees must:
Make drug-testing devices, such as test strips, stickers, or straws, available to patrons. The devices must be unexpired and capable of detecting substances commonly used to spike drinks, including GHB, ketamine, and flunitrazepam. Licensees may give them away free or sell them at a reasonable price based on wholesale cost.
Provide a drink lid on request, either free or at a reasonable price based on wholesale cost. ABC’s guidance is specific that a napkin doesn’t satisfy this requirement; a lid has to be a removable cover that attaches to the rim of the cup or glass.
Post one of ABC’s two approved notices in a spot where patrons can see and read it.
For managers and servers at Type 48 venues, the practical change is simple: these aren’t temporary pandemic-era or trial measures that are going to lapse. Compliance checks should be treated as a permanent part of operations, and new staff should be briefed on where the devices and lids are kept and how the required signage is displayed. Completing California RBS Certification Training is still the best way for new hires to learn how to recognize and respond to drink spiking in the first place, before a device or lid ever comes into play. ABC notes that violations aren’t criminal offenses, but they can still trigger administrative action against the license.
Source: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Industry Advisories
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Alcohol-service laws change frequently and vary by state and locality. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s alcohol regulatory authority or a qualified professional before acting.
