Rather than stigmatize and criminalize, the bill takes an evidence-based approach to saving lives

At the February 24th Stated Meeting of the New York City Council, Councilmembers Ossé and Powers are introducing harm-reduction legislation to improve the safety of nightlife establishments. The bill would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to create the Nightlife Opioid Antagonist Program to help prevent opioid overdoses in nightlife establishments. Establishments will be able to request and retain up to 10 free doses of an opioid antagonist at a time, to keep on premises for administration to patrons, staff or individuals on the premises experiencing an opioid overdose. This bill would also require DOHMH to offer free resources and training to staff of participating nightlife establishments on the administration of opioid antagonists.

This legislation comes following a dramatic rise in overdose deaths, and targets spaces in which government assistance can be most impactful. 

“Drug use and overdose deaths have been on the rise in our country and city for a long time now, and we must confront the root causes,” explained Councilmember Ossé. “But right now we have a problem on our hands and a common-sense solution right in front of us. This bill will save lives and make our city safer, with no downside. It should be swiftly passed.”

“Overdose deaths are on the rise in New York City, in part due to deadly substances like fentanyl and heroin that permeate our city’s clubs and bars,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “This important, life saving legislation will create a program to provide bars and restaurants with the tools they need to protect New Yorkers against preventable overdoses. Too many New Yorkers have lost their lives—it’s time our city took action.” 

“When you run a bar or club you need to be prepared for anything, and that’s why we’re proud to stand with Council Members Keith Powers and Chi Ossé to support their legislation that will provide these businesses with free naloxone rescue kits to ensure they have the tools needed to help treat a narcotic overdose should such an unfortunate situation occur,” said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance, and Chairperson of the NYC Nightlife Advisory Board. “Our city’s nightlife is where New Yorkers and visitors celebrate life, but equip with naloxone, we can also help save a life too.” 

“Opioid overdoses are the leading cause of accidental deaths in New York City,” said Arelia Taveras, President, NYS Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association. “While we work to address the root cause of this epidemic, it is vital to provide businesses access to this life saving measure.  We want to thank Majority Leader Powers and Council Member Osse for taking steps to ensure businesses have the resources they need if a worst case scenario presents itself.” 

“As we battle a growing overdose epidemic, it’s crucial that Narcan is made readily available across the city, especially in nightlife spaces where people are more likely to use substances. Opioid overdoses kill more people each year than car crashes and gun violence combined. This is a public health issue as much as it is a racial justice issue: Black New Yorkers and residents of very high poverty neighborhoods, including in Central Brooklyn where Brooklyn Community Recovery Center is located, see the highest rates of overdose deaths. This law will get free doses of life-saving medicine into the areas where they are needed. Brooklyn Community Recovery Center of Phoenix Houses is proud to support this bill, which will help to advance healthcare equity, decrease stigma associated with substance use, and save lives,” said Shaun Willis, Director of Recovery Services and Community Outreach at Brooklyn Community Recovery Center.

“We are pleased to see Majority Leader Keith Powers and Council Member Chi Ossé head an initiative to address the safety needs faced by the audiences that attend our venues,” said Jen Lyon, Co-Chair, NY Independent Venue Association Board of Directors. “Our members work tirelessly to provide safe environments and endeavor to pivot as our audiences exhibit new needs. This Legislation is a clear sign that as a community we are all engaging in active, preventative thinking that can save lives.”

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