The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is launching a new initiative that will distribute drink safety test kits that can detect illegal substances in beverages—SipSafe Long Beach.
The Health Department has already procured these drink safety testing kits and plans to distribute them equitably to businesses and organizations across the city upon request.
“By providing drink safety test kits to local businesses and organizations, we are taking proactive steps to prevent drink spiking and promote a safe environment for all,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a statement from the City. “This $25,000 initiative is a significant investment in our community’s safety, and we are proud to be promoting personal safety.”
A 2015 study in San Francisco found evidence that one third of sexual assault cases involved the use of a date rape drug.
The drink safety testing kits are designed to detect the potential presence of drink-spiking drugs, including GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), commonly known as the date rape drug, and ketamine.
The kits can be used at any location and time. Long Beach is modeling its SipSafe program after similar initiatives that have already been established in other Southern California cities.
A 2015 study in San Francisco found evidence that one third of sexual assault cases involved the use of a date rape drug.
“It is comforting to see this initiative launching, and that we will begin providing drink safety kits here in Long Beach through our SipSafe program,” said Vice Mayor Cindy Allen in a statement from the City. “As the city continues to grow, it is important that we take additional steps to ensure the safety of patrons at alcohol-licensed establishments. Especially for our women patrons, this program makes our city so much safer and more inviting.”
To facilitate fair distribution of the kits across businesses and organizations citywide, the Health Department has developed a Drink Safety Test Kit Request Form. This form is accessible online in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog.
“SipSafe Long Beach is a step forward in our efforts to advocate for personal safety and wellbeing in our community,” said Health Director Kelly Colopy in a statement from the city. “Our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community remains unwavering, and we are confident that this program will have a meaningful impact in preventing drink spiking incidents.”
The idea of a drink safety program in Long Beach was first brought to the City Council by Vice Mayor Cindy Allen, and was co-sponsored by First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro.
The program was approved by the City Council with a unanimous 6 to 0 vote in December 2022.
For more details on SipSafe Long Beach and to request drink safety test kits, visit longbeach.gov/SipSafelb.
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