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5/19/2026
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Chambers advance legislation to offer drink lids at bars
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate and the House today each approved legislation sponsored by East Bay legislators Sen. Pamela J. Lauria and Rep. June S. Speakman to require bars and similar establishments to have lids available to protect patrons from having their drinks spiked.
“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. 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 Senator Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence).
The legislation (2026-S 3000A, 2026-H 7975A) would require all establishments licensed to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption to make removable lids available upon request by any customer. 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. 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.
The bill is based on a similar measure enacted in California last year.
The sponsors said they introduced the bill not because of any particular prevalence of or increase in drink-spiking in Rhode Island, but because of the devastating consequences that occur when it does happen.
“Sexual assault and date rape shatter lives. This bill is one more way to enable and encourage people to protect themselves from a very real risk when they go out,” said Representative Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol).
The House passed Representative Speakman’s bill today, and the Senate passed Senator Lauria’s. Each bill now goes to the other chamber for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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