Firm debuts drink coaster that detects date-rape drugs

Davie firm debuts drink coaster that detects date-rape drugs
The Associated Press
February 19, 2002, 7:15 PM EST
DAVIE -- A company says it has created a coaster that can detect whether a drink has been spiked with a date-rape drug.
Drink Safe Technologies in this Fort Lauderdale suburb is hoping liquor manufacturers will buy licensing right for the coasters, put their logos on them and distribute them in bars and clubs.
Company co-owner Francisco Guerra said the coasters can detect predator drugs like ``roofies'' and ``liquid ecstasy,'' protecting potential victims.
To check their drink, customers place a drop in a circle on the coaster. If the circle changes color, the drink contains one of the drugs.
``It's a simple security measure,'' Guerra said.
Guerra, whose background is in special effects, says he helped develop the coaster after a client's secretary was drugged, raped and then diagnosed with AIDS.
The company has applied for a U.S. patent for the coaster and is also working on a test strip that, like the coaster, could detect date-rape drugs.
Dr. Karen Simmons, director of the Rape Treatment Center in Miami said the coasters sounded promising. She also advised drinkers to keep an eye on their drinks while out on the town.
``I personally tell people to carry their drink with them...and not to drink out of a large punch bowl.''
http://www.sunsentinel.com/templates/misc/printstory.jsp?slug=sfl%2D0219daviecoaster
the company in question has a website here:
http://www.drinksafetech.com/
[ 21 February 2002: Message edited by: johnboy ]

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