Rhode Island Bill To Protect Women From Drugging In Bars Goes To Governor

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island bill to protect women from drugging in bars awaits the governor's signature.

“Sexual assault and date rape shatter lives," state Rep. June S. Speakman, one of the bill sponsors, said in a media release.

"This bill is one more way to enable and encourage people to protect themselves from a very real risk when they go out,” said Speakman, D-Warren and Bristol.

The proposed law would require bars and similar establishments to have lids available to protect patrons from having their drinks spiked.

Related: Rhode Island Senate And House Pass Bills To Protect Women From Drugging In Bars

“A safer night out is as good for businesses as it is for patrons, and offering lids to those who would like them is a relatively simple way to protect public safety," state Sen. Pamela J. Lauria, the bill's other sponsor.

"This bill will not only offer protection to those who ask for lids, it will help remind bar-goers of the risk of being ‘roofied’ and the importance of being vigilant and aware of their surroundings,” said Lauria, D-Barrington, Bristol and East Providence.

"The bill does not require all drinks to come with lids, nor does it require the bar have lids that fit all its drinkware, only that it have lids available to fit at least one type of its containers," the release said. "A reasonable fee that reflects the wholesale cost of the lid could be charged, although the measure would also allow establishments to offer lids without a charge if they wish."

See also:

• 3 Rhode Island Beaches Dangerous For Swimming Due To High Bacteria Levels: State
• 2 Men Charged With Gun Attack That Left 1 Wounded Outside Providence's Paris Lounge
• 2 Rhode Island Prisoners Charged With Drug Possession: Cops