Strips at Austin bars can test for spiked drinks, are people using them?

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The "Sip Safely" program has now been active in Austin for about two months.

Participating bars have a stock of alcohol test strips that can detect date rape drugs. The businesses can also display signs letting patrons know the strips are available.

At the launch of the initiative, the City said 50 bars were on board, and that number has since grown to 67.

To the right is a photo of a test strip and instructions on how to use it.

This is all part of a $100,000 pilot program. Council Member Zo Qadri got the idea from West Hollywood, Calif., which ran a similar initiative in 2022.

"The feedback we've received so far has been positive," the city's Development Services Department said in a statement. "Bars, clubs, and venues have continued to reach out to us to sign up for the program. We plan to run a formal survey of all participating establishments towards the end of the pilot period in September to gather more detailed feedback."

You can find the full list of participating bars here.

Business owners said staff have spoken with customers about the program, but patrons have not asked to use the test strips. Still, stakeholders say they believe the signage and the presence of the strips in general play a role in curbing drugging.

KXAN spoke with business owners about the program. Check back for updates.