Sacramento bars and nightclubs take steps to stop sexual harassment and assaults
Establishments will soon be required to keep testing kits that patrons can use to make sure no one drugged their drink
Establishments will soon be required to keep testing kits that patrons can use to make sure no one drugged their drink
Establishments will soon be required to keep testing kits that patrons can use to make sure no one drugged their drink
From staff training to tests on drinks, Sacramento bars and nightclubs are taking measures to stop sexual harassment and assaults.
Marcus Mosinke manages three bars in the Lavender Heights District. Mosinke said making employees aware of the problem is a big step toward combating sexual violence.
"We have a lead guard that comes around and helps train us in all de-escalation techniques, all harassment techniques," said Mosinke.
More than 30 Sacramento bars have completed the Safe Night Out program offered by the city and the non-profit organization WEAVE.
The free two-hour training class teaches bar staff about how to recognize warning signs of sexual and domestic violence, and how to respond in order to keep establishments safe.
Those who complete the training also get a poster to display in their restrooms with information on how and where people can get help.
"Everyone wants to be aware of that,” said bar manager Jarrett Derfield. “If anyone ever comes up, it's something we are all already paying attention to."
In addition, many of the bars are already working to meet the new state law that will require establishments with a Type 48 license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to keep testing kits that patrons can use to make sure no one drugged their drink.
Those kits will be available at low or no cost starting in July.
“We have them coming in,” said Mosinke. “If it’s going to get here before we’ll go with it and if not we definitely want to be ready by July.”
The new state law will also require establishments to have signs indicating the test kits are available.
Any business that does not comply with the law can face actions that could impact their license.