HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 ABCC SPIKED DRINK ADVISORY
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
95 Fourth Street, Suite 3
Chelsea, MA 02150
Jean M. Lorizio, Esq.
Chairman
Telephone: (617) 727-3040 * Fax: (617) 727-1510 * www.mass.gov/abcc
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES CONTROL COMMISSION ADVISORY REGARDING
RECENT NEWS ABOUT NON-CONSENSUAL DRUGGING OCCURRING AT BARS,
CLUBS, AND OTHER LICENSED PREMISES
The ABCC is aware of local, national, and international news reports of an increase in illicit, non-
consensual drugging occurring at bars, nightclubs, and other nightlife venues. All § 12 Licensees should
alert employees and patrons about the increase in predatory behavior and are advised to be vigilant in
monitoring activity within their establishments. Licensees are encouraged to have an active security plan
in place, in which all employees are trained.
Licensees are reminded of the following:
• There is a duty to prevent foreseeable harm to patrons and others.
• A Licensee’s duty to protect patrons may be triggered when the conduct of another patron puts the
Licensee or its employees on notice that harm is imminent.
• A Licensee may discharge its duty to protect patrons by taking steps to prevent the harm, such as
calling the police.
• It is the responsibility of each licensee to exercise close supervision of its premises to ensure
compliance with the law.
• Licensees are required to cooperate in investigations by police and ABCC Investigators.
As always, all licensees must ensure they comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and that sales of alcoholic beverages take place only as authorized by federal, state, and local law.
Questions concerning this Advisory may be directed to Ralph Sacramone, Executive Director of the
Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission at (617) 727- 3040 x 731.
(Issued 12/3/2021)