Department of
Health & Human Services

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched SipSafe Long Beach, a new initiative that promotes public safety by distributing drink safety test kits that detect illegal substances in beverages. The Health Department has acquired the drink safety testing kits and will implement a comprehensive approach to equitably distribute them to requesting businesses and organizations throughout the city. 

"By providing drink safety test kits to local businesses and organizations, we are taking proactive steps to prevent drink spiking and promote a safe environment for all,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This $25,000 initiative is a significant investment in our community's safety, and we are proud to be promoting personal safety." 

The drink safety testing kit is a tool designed to detect the possible presence of drink spiking drugs, such as GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), also known as the date rape drug, or ketamine. They can be used anywhere and at any time. Similar drink safety initiatives have been established in other Southern California cities, and the Health Department is modeling its SipSafe Long Beach program after these existing initiatives.  

“It is comforting to see this initiative launching, and that we will begin providing drink safety kits here in Long Beach through our SipSafe program,” said Vice Mayor Cindy Allen. “As the City continues to grow, it is important that we take additional steps to ensure the safety of patrons at alcohol-licensed establishments. Especially for our women patrons, this program makes our City so much safer and more inviting.” 

To ensure equitable distribution of the kits among business and organizations throughout the city, the Health Department has developed a Drink Safety Test Kit Request Form. The form is available online in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. 

"SipSafe Long Beach is a step forward in our efforts to advocate for personal safety and wellbeing in our community," said Health Director Kelly Colopy. "Our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community remains unwavering, and we are confident that this program will have a meaningful impact in preventing drink spiking incidents." 

The goal of SipSafe Long Beach is to promote drink testing in the community and ensure drink safety resources are readily accessible. The recommendation to implement a drink safety program in Long Beach was brought forth by Vice Mayor Cindy Allen, co-sponsored by First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro, which was approved by the City Council with a 6 to 0 vote in December 2022. 

For more information regarding SipSafe Long Beach to request drink safety test kits, please visit longbeach.gov/SipSafelb. 

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach. For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.