NEW YORK, NY (July 16, 2026) — Today, Council Members and Prime Sponsors Jennifer Gutiérrez, Virginia Maloney, Lincoln Restler, Christopher Marte, and Harvey Epstein introduced legislation to establish designated “nightlife districts” across New York City and provide communities with additional sanitation resources to address persistent trash and litter associated with high-traffic nightlife corridors.

For years, New York City’s vibrant nightlife has supported local businesses and attracted millions of visitors, but it has also contributed to overflowing litter baskets, increased street debris, and persistent sanitation concerns in surrounding neighborhoods. Council Member Gutiérrez’s legislation would require the Department of Sanitation, in consultation with the Office of Nightlife and the Department of Transportation, to identify nightlife districts based on pedestrian activity, concentrations of nightlife establishments, and recurring 311 sanitation complaints that would be eligible for enhanced street cleaning based on Community Board requests.

“It should be a guarantee for our city’s residents to be able to look out onto their street and see a kept-up, trash-free block, but for far too long, this has not been the case,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “For New Yorkers who live in lively districts like mine, the cost of someone’s fun night out can unjustly impact the cleanliness of the entire neighborhood. Through a community-oriented approach, this bill aims to rectify long-standing concerns that have gone unaddressed throughout the city, and I am proud to be the main sponsor on this necessary step towards a cleaner New York.” 

“New York’s nightlife is one of the things that makes this city special, but the neighborhoods that keep our restaurants, bars, and music venues thriving shouldn’t have to bear the burden of overflowing trash and dirty streets,” said Council Member Christopher Marte. “Residents deserve clean sidewalks when they wake up in the morning, and businesses deserve public spaces that reflect the vitality they bring to our communities. This legislation gives neighborhoods a practical way to address recurring sanitation issues where they’re happening most, helping us support a strong nighttime economy while keeping our streets cleaner for everyone.”

“New York City doesn’t have to choose between a thriving nightlife and clean, safe neighborhoods: we can and should have both,” said Council Member Harvey Epstein. “Our restaurants, bars, and music venues are vital to our economy and culture, but the communities that surround them deserve clean streets and the quality of life they expect. This legislation recognizes that supporting nightlife also means investing in the sanitation services that keep our neighborhoods welcoming for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors alike.”

“In the city that never sleeps, neighborhoods that host the most nightlife deserve extra support to stay clean and inviting,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “I fully support identifying areas with the most bars, clubs, and restaurants, pedestrian activity, and 311 sanitation complaints for enhanced cleaning. I’m grateful for Council Member Gutiérrez’s leadership on this, and look forward to helping both neighbors and visitors thrive in some of our most popular neighborhoods.”

“New York City’s nightlife is one of our greatest economic and cultural assets, but the neighborhoods that make it possible shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of overflowing trash and dirty streets. This legislation recognizes that supporting a vibrant nighttime economy also means investing in the cleanliness and quality of life of the communities where it exists,” said Council Member Virginia Maloney.  By providing additional sanitation resources in our busiest nightlife corridors, we can keep our commercial districts welcoming for residents, businesses, workers, and visitors alike.”

“We’re a city that works hard and plays hard. That means our nightlife districts should be just as clean on Sunday morning as they were alive on Saturday night,” said Council Member Justin E. Sanchez, Chair of the Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Committee. “By creating a process for additional street cleaning in our busiest nightlife corridors, we’re making government work the way New Yorkers do.”

As New York City continues to grow as a world-class destination for nightlife, this legislation ensures our neighborhoods can thrive alongside it. By giving Community Boards the ability to secure enhanced sanitation services in areas with the greatest need, this bill takes a practical step toward cleaner streets and a better quality of life for residents and visitors alike.