California AB-1013 Compliance for Bars
In effect since July 1, 2024. California Assembly Bill 1013 — codified as Business & Professions Code §25624 — requires any Type-48 on-sale general public premises (bars and nightclubs licensed to serve the public 21+) to offer drug-testing devices to customers and to post a clearly visible notice that tests are available. It was the first statewide mandate of its kind in the United States, and non-compliance can put your license at risk.
TL;DR: Since July 1, 2024, California bars and nightclubs with a Type 48 license must offer drink-spiking test devices (test strips, stickers, or straws that detect substances such as GHB and ketamine) — either for sale at a price not exceeding a reasonable amount based on wholesale cost, or free of charge — and post the required signage in a prominent, conspicuous location. The current statute sunsets on January 1, 2027, unless extended. Full text: B&P Code §25624.
The law in short
Under §25624, a Type-48 licensee must:
- Offer drug-testing devices — test strips, stickers, straws, or similar devices capable of detecting common drink-spiking substances such as flunitrazepam, ketamine, and GHB. Devices may be sold (at a price not exceeding a reasonable amount based on their wholesale cost) or provided free of charge, and must not be past their expiration date.
- Post the required notice in a prominent and conspicuous location. The statutory wording (as amended effective January 1, 2025): “Don’t get roofied! Drink lids and drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.”
The statute also states that a licensee is not liable for a defective test or inaccurate result — the venue’s obligation is to make compliant devices available, not to guarantee outcomes.
What you need
- A qualifying drug-testing device. DrinkCheck test strips are designed to support compliance: clinically validated, accredited by UK Police (Secured by Design), and they detect 6+ substances (GHB, ketamine, scopolamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine) in under 15 seconds.
- The visible notice at the point of sale — statutory wording above.
- Staff training on when and how to offer the test.
Why operators choose DrinkCheck
- Personal onboarding. Our co-founders onboard every venue partner directly.
- Volume pricing from 500 units. Request a quote →
- White-label packaging from 5,000 units. Co-brand with your venue or city.
- Staff training materials included with every wholesale order.
- Shipping from our US fulfilment partners. Delivery in 3–5 business days.
Suggested notice for your venue
Don’t get roofied! Drink lids and drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.
This is the wording prescribed by §25624(b). A bilingual English/Spanish version of our signage template is available upon request.
Get compliant in 48 hours
- Request a quote through our wholesale form.
- Sign the partnership agreement (standard, one page).
- Receive your stock + training kit in 3–5 business days.
Common questions
When did AB-1013 take effect?
The requirement has been operative since July 1, 2024. An amendment (AB 2375) effective January 1, 2025 added drink lids to the required signage wording.
Do I have to give the tests away for free?
No. You may sell them at a price not exceeding a reasonable amount based on their wholesale cost — or provide them free of charge. Many venues sell at cost and treat the program as a trust-building measure.
Is AB-1013 permanent?
The current version of §25624 contains a sunset clause: it is repealed on January 1, 2027, unless the legislature extends it. Check the statute text for the current status before making long-term decisions.
Are other states and cities following California?
Yes — but with different models. Tempe, Arizona passed an ordinance in February 2026 that requires test kits and signage from August 1, 2026 (Tempe compliance guide); Tennessee’s HB 2301, in effect since July 1, 2026, made drink spiking a Class D felony but includes no kit mandate for bars (details). See our overview of the state-by-state wave of drink-testing legislation.
Which substances does DrinkCheck detect?
GHB, ketamine, scopolamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine — the substances most commonly used in drink spiking. Results in under 15 seconds. See how it works.
Sources & legal disclaimer
Primary source: California Business & Professions Code §25624. The summary above is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult qualified counsel to confirm your specific compliance obligations. DrinkCheck provides test devices designed to support compliance with AB-1013’s drug-testing-device requirement; final determination of compliance rests with your venue and its counsel.
Update (July 10, 2026): This page now cites the statute directly, reflects the AB 2375 signage amendment (effective January 1, 2025) and the January 1, 2027 sunset clause, and clarifies that devices may be sold at a capped price or provided free.
Last updated: July 10, 2026.