Bar Owners and Nightclub Owners Are Now Required to Offer Drink Lids

Two years ago, California began requiring bar owners and nightclub owners to offer drug testing devices for sale to customers which included drug testing devices like test strips, stickers, or straws to detect the presence of any controlled substances in drinks. This was part of an effort to educate the public and increase consumer awareness of the dangers of controlled substances being slipped into their drinks while they are out having drinks are bars and clubs. Bar and nightclub owners were also required to put up notices in prominent and conspicuous locations that said: “Don’t get roofied! Drink lids and drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.” The bars and nightclubs could charge customers for the drug testing devices at reasonable amount based on the wholesale price.

Well, beginning on July 1 of 2025, bar owners and nightclub owners are now required to provide a lid with a customer’s drink upon request. Bar owners and nightclub owners are not required to have lids that fit all containers in which alcoholic beverages are served. However, bar owners and nightclub owners must be able to provide lids for at least one of the containers used on the premises. Again, the bars and nightclubs can charge customers a reasonable amount based on the wholesale price.

It will be interesting to see if patrons appreciate and utilize these new drink cups with lids since they will likely be non-glass containers. For those who do frequent bars and nightclubs, these new drink cups with lids may create a false sense of security. These cups with lids, when left unattended, are just as easy to pop on and pop off in a matter of seconds.

Nevertheless, these new requirements, though small, will hopefully save many people from unwanted experiences and advances. Likewise, employers and employees must be aware of what bars and nightclubs must have in stock and available to customers.