The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has provided a report to the West Hollywood City Council detailing incidents of spiked drinks at area bars between 2016 and 2021.
The list described a total of 31 incidents, 30 of which were accompanied by reports of sexual assault. It included information about the locations where the spiked drinks were allegedly served and where victims were subsequently assaulted.
Some victims reported being assaulted in the restrooms of the establishments where they believed the spiked drinks were served.
Popular West Hollywood gay bar The Abbey was named as the location where 11 out of the 31 spiked drinks were allegedly served. It is named in the sheriff’s department report more than any other establishment.
In July, an influencer and West Hollywood resident Haely White claimed that a bartender at The Abbey spiked her drink. White said as a result of consuming the allegedly tainted beverage, she collapsed and vomited multiple times throughout the night.
White later retracted those claims and now faces a defamation lawsuit filed by The Abbey's owners seeking more than $5 million in damages.
A spokesperson for the City of West Hollywood told KNX the council responded to the report on Sept. 20 by approving a plan to expand the "Only Yes Means Yes" sexual assault awareness campaign. The project will distribute graphics printed on bar paraphernalia, such as coasters, as well as published via social media, promoting informed consent.
A memorandum on the campaign authored by Councilmembers John D'Amico and Sepi Shyne noted that the L.A. County Sheriff's Department Entertainment Policing Team, which focuses on nightlife safety, was increasing engagement with venues where reports were filed regarding allegations of drugging.
According to the memo, the department was also planning to increase patrols and plain-cloths operations at bars and clubs throughout West Hollywood.
KNX has reached out to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department for comment on what investigative action, if any, has been taken following the report. This story will be updated with additional information as it is received.
