Legislation will protect safety of consumers by empowering the Department of Consumer Affairs and the NYPD to crack down on vendors who sell expired medication.
Council also votes to protect employees from religious discrimination by strengthening law that requires employers to provide workers with accommodations for religious observance.

New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation that will extend the ban that prohibits retailers from selling expired over-the-counter medication to include individuals who sell past-date medication. The Council heard complaints from constituents who identified this problem at flea markets, garage sales and other venues. This bill will protect the health and safety of consumers by empowering the Department of Consumer Affairs and the NYPD to take action against any person found selling expired over-the-counter medication.

The Council will also vote on a bill that will protect workers from religious discrimination by strengthening the law that requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s religious observance. This legislation will help ensure that religious practices of people of all faiths are respected in the work place.

PROHIBIT THE SALE OF EXPIRED OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS

The Council will vote on legislation that will prohibit retailers and individuals from selling expired medication. The Council heard complaints from constituents who identified this problem at flea markets, garage sales and other venues. This bill will empower the Department of Consumer Affairs and the NYPD to take action against any person found selling expired over-the-counter medication and protect the health and safety of consumers who purchase over-the-counter medication from vendors and retail stores.

Under the new legislation, any person found selling expired medication will be subject to a maximum fine of $250 for the first violation and fines of up to $500 for any subsequent violations. Violators will also be held liable for civil penalties ranging from $100-$250 for the first violation, and $250-$500 for following violations.

“This legislation will ensure the safety of those who rely on over-the-counter medication to stay healthy by improving the enforcement against the sale of expired over-the-counter medications and keeping them away from consumers,” said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Over-the-counter medication is not guaranteed beyond its expiration date, and may have an adverse effect on those who unknowingly take it.”

“This legislation will help prevent the distribution and flow of expired medications,” said Council Member Ruben Wills. “The sale of expired over-the-counter medications has serious health implications. The potency of medication decreases over time and using medication after its expiration creates a greater likelihood that a person will take more in order to increase its effectiveness. It is the responsibility of anyone who is selling over-the-counter medications to put the health and safety of consumers ahead of profits and sales.”

“No person would walk into a store with the expectation that the medicine they intend to purchase may be expired — and yet the sale of expired medications is taking place in our city today,” said Council Member Dan Garodnick. “For reasons of both health and fairness to a consumer, this practice should not be allowed to continue. Intro 541 will help to ensure that it won’t.”

PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORK PLACE

The Council will vote on legislation that will help ensure that religious practices of all people are respected in the work place. This law will provide greater protection to workers by strengthening the law that requires employers to provide employees with reasonable accommodations for religious observance.

Employers that are found to have engaged in unlawful discriminatory practices against its workers may be liable for a civil penalty of as much as $125,000 and/or be required to pay compensatory damages, award back pay, reinstate employees and extend full and equal accommodations to employees.

“This bill sends the message that people should not have to choose between serving our city and adhering to their religious beliefs. All Americans should receive the full embrace of our country’s constitutional freedoms,” said Council Member Mark S. Weprin.

“With the passage of the Int. 632-A, the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, we are ensuring that religious discrimination in the workplace will become a thing of the past,” said Council Member Debi Rose. “New York City has one of the most comprehensive Human Rights law in the country, and this legislation will send all employers a clear message- one that says that you have to accommodate your employees in a manner that is respectful of their religion and its practices. I’m extremely proud to have played a role in the passage of this bill.”

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