Bar adopts new drink coaster to protect from date rape drugs

BEN LOMOND, Calif. (KION) A new drink coaster does a lot more than protect wood. It saves lives.

The item, created by DrinkSafe Technologies, made its debut at Henfling's Bar and Grill in Ben Lomond.

All you have to do is spread a drop of your drink in one of the coaster's designated circles. If the circle turns blue, you know your drink has been spiked with a drug.

"Primarily women are the ones that get in these situations. Being a woman bar owner, I really feel like I have to take responsibility and be proactive to deter it," said owner of Henflings, Erin Zimmer.

Zimmer said she has seen women post to Facebook about their drinks being spiked at bars in the area.

Ketamine and GHB, what Zimmer calls the two most commonly used date rape drugs, can be detected by the coaster with a single drop. "It will send a message to anyone thinking about spiking someone's drink that they won't be able to get away with it," said Zimmer.

Testimonies from countless men and women, unfortunately, show just how easy slipping a drug into a drink can be. "I think every girl that's been to a bar or club has been in that situation before. You don't want to accept a drink from anyone else because you don't know what's in there," said Salinas resident, Jessie Perez.

Zimmer said the coasters will allow her, and other staff, to pinpoint a spiked drink almost immediately. Before, Zimmer said she used to look through hours of security footage. By that point, the damage may already be done.

"This is our family around here. I don't want anything to happen to anybody, especially at my establishment, let alone anybody else's. I've actually heard of a lot of other bars taking the initiative to order these coasters, as well," said Zimmer.

To purchase your own DrinkSafe coasters, visit: DrinkSafe.com.