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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 check kits Monday to venues that serve alcohol and to some patrons. The packages comprise checks that detect whether or not somebody’s drink has been drugged, additionally known as “roofied” — that means dosed with Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) or an identical 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 package comprises 10 checks that detect gamma hydroxybutyrate, additionally referred to 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 crimson 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 further distribution deliberate for the longer term. Bars and eating places may request extra kits from the town.
The Abbey bar in West Hollywood confirmed that it obtained some kits Monday, however it didn’t provide further remark.
The choice to roll out checks comes amid anxieties round security, significantly amongst official and unofficial experiences of people that imagine they had been “roofied” whereas out in West Hollywood. In keeping with a report by the Metropolis Council in January, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s West Hollywood station obtained 30 experiences between 2016 and 2021 during which a sufferer believed their drink was spiked. Seven experiences had been made in 2020, and 4 experiences had been made in 2021.
All however one among these experiences concerned allegations of sexual assault, particularly rape.
Given that almost all of sexual assaults go unreported, the precise numbers are certain to be far larger.
The town bought about 2,500 check kits in complete and budgeted about $15,000 for this system within the 2021-2022 fiscal yr, which incorporates assist for the rollout. There may be no further funding in place for subsequent yr, however Shyne stated that she hopes this system can proceed if it proves profitable.
Final yr, the town handed an ordinance for bystander intervention coaching for alcohol servers at West Hollywood venues. In keeping with Danny Rivas, the town’s director of group security, 1,900 workers have accomplished the coaching because it launched in March, with no less than 400 extra anticipated to take the course.
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