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Bill would require music festivals to provide drink‑spiking test kits and safety measures
Summary
AB 668 would extend drink‑spiking prevention measures used in bars—like test strips and lids—to large music festivals, and would add reporting requirements after incidents. Backers described the public‑health rationale; some festival operators urged changes to logistical requirements. The committee passed the bill as amended to Judiciary.
Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 668 as a prevention‑focused measure to address drink‑spiking — commonly called "roofie" incidents — at large music festivals. He said the bill extends safety requirements that apply to certain on‑premises alcohol outlets to larger outdoor events, including making test strips, drink lids or other consumer safety tools available and establishing reporting requirements to help victims get assistance.
Supporters framed the bill as a public‑health intervention. Raul Verdugo of Alcohol Justice said studies show between 6 percent and 25 percent of adults report having had a drink tampered with, and that festival environments are particularly vulnerable. A young survivor, Cassandra Riel, testified about her personal experience and urged passage so others would feel safer attending events.
Promoters and festival operators sought practical adjustments. One industry witness said logistical challenges arise if test kits must be available at every vendor location rather than against a central first‑aid or information tent; the author said staff would continue to work with operators to make the requirements feasible.
The committee moved AB 668 as amended to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The clerk recorded proponents’ support and noted remaining technical issues to be resolved in committee and in stakeholder meetings.
Why it matters: Drink spiking raises immediate concerns for bodily harm and sexual assault; public‑health advocates support prevention and rapid response measures, while event organizers warn against operational requirements that could be impractical without additional guidance.
Next steps: AB 668 was referred to the Judiciary Committee as amended; the author and stakeholders will continue negotiating specific operational implementation and signage/testing placement.
