The New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy (ONE) has launched a new harm reduction initiative to distribute free drink test strips and safety signage to bars, music venues, and other late-night establishments across the city. The program is designed to increase access to tools that help prevent drink spiking and promote a culture of safety throughout New Orleans nightlife. Participating venues receive:
- Free GHB and Ketamine test strips from Test My Drink
- Front- and back-of-house signage to promote awareness and access
- Direct support and follow-up from ONE staff
Distribution has been prioritized for high-traffic, late-night venues — especially those serving LGBTQ+ communities, women-centered spaces and establishments with a strong interest in safety and harm reduction. A centralized system tracks drop-off dates, quantities, and staff feedback to ensure consistent outreach and continued support.
“Our job is to support both the businesses who power our nightlife and the people who enjoy it,” said Julia Heath, Policy and Outreach Manager for ONE. “This initiative is about removing barriers — no one should stay home because they’re worried about safety. We want people to enjoy the best of New Orleans nightlife, especially during the summer months when our businesses need that support.”
“What a great tool for people to protect themselves and for bars to protect customers,” said Joe Bikulege, owner of Le Bon Temps Roule. “The tests will help promote safety and provide a way for a person to identify possible perpetrators for venues to take action. we welcome this opportunity to participate.”
In addition to distributing drink test strips, ONE staff are also continuing to share information about free bystander response trainings offered by the City of New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), helping identify which venues have already participated and where trainings are still needed. Businesses that are interested in hosting an Overdose Prevention or Stop the Bleed training should reach out to ONE or Foster Noone, Opioid Special Project Coordinator at NOHD at [email protected].
Venues are being invited to take part in de-escalation and bystander intervention trainings through ONE’s partnership with the SAFE Bar Network — another step toward equipping nightlife workers with practical skills to navigate safety concerns in real time.
This test strip initiative is part of ONE’s broader commitment to nightlife safety, workforce well-being, and harm reduction. Together, these efforts support a safer, more connected late-night economy rooted in care, consent, and community.
Distribution is currently ongoing. Any venue that has not yet received materials and would like to participate is encouraged to contact the ONE via Instagram at @nola.nightlife or by email at [email protected].
