California bars must now provide lids for drinks upon request, a measure intended to prevent drinks from being spiked with drugs.
The law, Assembly Bill 2375, which took effect Tuesday, builds on existing legislation requiring bars to offer drug testing strips. Assembly Member Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, introduced both bills. The new requirement applies to bars and nightclubs with Type 48 liquor licenses, which serve beer, wine and liquor, but not food. Violating it carries no penalty, just a warning for a first offense, and the requirement sunsets in 2027.
The law was endorsed by alcohol watchdog groups like Alcohol Justice, and passed unanimously. But Bay Area bar operators told the Chronicle they were skeptical of it…