Tennessee passed new legislation making it a felony offense to knowingly spike someone’s drink.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE — A new Tennessee law makes it a felony to knowingly spike another person’s drink, creating a specific criminal offense aimed at deterring the act and strengthening penalties for offenders.
The legislation targets individuals who intentionally add substances to another person’s beverage without their knowledge or consent. Lawmakers say the measure is intended to address drink spiking by making the act itself a felony offense under state law.
The new law does not impose additional requirements on restaurants, bars or other hospitality businesses. Establishments are not required to purchase drink-testing devices, adopt new safety protocols or implement additional operational procedures as a result of the legislation.
Industry leaders note that while guest safety remains a priority for restaurants, bars and hospitality operators, the law focuses on criminal accountability rather than creating new regulatory mandates for businesses.
Supporters of the legislation say the measure is designed to provide stronger legal consequences for those who tamper with another person’s drink while helping protect the public from incidents that can lead to assault, theft or other crimes.
Questions & Answers
What does the new law do?
It makes knowingly spiking another person’s drink a felony offense in Tennessee.
Who does the law apply to?
Individuals who intentionally add a substance to someone else’s drink without their knowledge or consent.
Does the law create new requirements for restaurants or bars?
No. The legislation does not impose new requirements on restaurants, bars or other hospitality businesses.
Are businesses required to provide drink-testing kits?
No. Businesses are not required to carry testing devices or implement new procedures.
What is the purpose of the law?
The legislation is intended to criminalize drink spiking and increase penalties for those who commit the offense while promoting public safety
The law carries fines up to $5,000 for this offense. Sentences range from 2 to 12 years in prison, depending on the defendant’s criminal history.
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