New York City nightlife venues often charge exorbitant prices for bottled water, leaving patrons parched and vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration. Some venues may charge up to $12 per bottle of water, while others sell it for as much as a beer. This lack of access to affordable hydration is not only inhumane but also poses serious health risks.
The issue has sparked a growing movement among partygoers, with many calling for regulations requiring venues to provide free water stations. The push for reform gained momentum after an EMT, Brian Hackel, shared his experiences treating heatstroke cases at local festivals and events. He emphasized that free water can make all the difference between a minor issue and a life-threatening emergency.
In other parts of the country, similar regulations have been implemented to ensure patrons' safety. For instance, venues in Minnesota are required to provide free water for ticketed events with more than 100 attendees. In San Francisco, any venue with a dancefloor must offer "free, cool drinking water." The city's liquor licensing rules now require establishments selling alcohol to provide free tap water.
The UK has also taken steps to ensure patrons' safety, with the law requiring licensed premises to offer free, cold tap water to customers. This regulation was fought for by harm reduction advocates, who argue that taking care of patrons is a good investment and can boost business. "In my experience, doing the right thing is profitable," said Richard Hartnell, an organizer for DanceSafe.
The push for change has gained momentum after high-profile incidents, such as the 2018 concert where Billie Eilish handed out water to a Swedish crowd. The incident highlighted the importance of prioritizing patrons' safety and well-being. Advocates argue that venues should have multiple water stations clearly illuminated, with clear signage indicating their locations.
As New York City considers regulations requiring free water at nightlife venues, advocates hope for specific rules that will prevent venues from exploiting loopholes. "Not only should there be stations, but those should be clearly illuminated," said Peter Kerre, a community activist and DJ. "If there's an emergency, you want to know where the water is." The push for reform continues, with harm reduction advocates and partygoers alike demanding that nightlife venues prioritize patrons' safety above profits.
The issue has sparked a growing movement among partygoers, with many calling for regulations requiring venues to provide free water stations. The push for reform gained momentum after an EMT, Brian Hackel, shared his experiences treating heatstroke cases at local festivals and events. He emphasized that free water can make all the difference between a minor issue and a life-threatening emergency.
In other parts of the country, similar regulations have been implemented to ensure patrons' safety. For instance, venues in Minnesota are required to provide free water for ticketed events with more than 100 attendees. In San Francisco, any venue with a dancefloor must offer "free, cool drinking water." The city's liquor licensing rules now require establishments selling alcohol to provide free tap water.
The UK has also taken steps to ensure patrons' safety, with the law requiring licensed premises to offer free, cold tap water to customers. This regulation was fought for by harm reduction advocates, who argue that taking care of patrons is a good investment and can boost business. "In my experience, doing the right thing is profitable," said Richard Hartnell, an organizer for DanceSafe.
The push for change has gained momentum after high-profile incidents, such as the 2018 concert where Billie Eilish handed out water to a Swedish crowd. The incident highlighted the importance of prioritizing patrons' safety and well-being. Advocates argue that venues should have multiple water stations clearly illuminated, with clear signage indicating their locations.
As New York City considers regulations requiring free water at nightlife venues, advocates hope for specific rules that will prevent venues from exploiting loopholes. "Not only should there be stations, but those should be clearly illuminated," said Peter Kerre, a community activist and DJ. "If there's an emergency, you want to know where the water is." The push for reform continues, with harm reduction advocates and partygoers alike demanding that nightlife venues prioritize patrons' safety above profits.
. i mean, we all know the heat is gonna be crazy and dehydration is no joke. and what's even more messed up is that they're exploitin' this by sellin water for like a beer price lol... it's just so sad. but on the other hand, i gotta give props to ppl like Brian Hackel who's actually out there helpin others - his story's a big part of why we need change 
. i'm hyped that some cities are already doin this right and makin sure patrons have access to water... it's a step in the right direction 
, now let's get nyc on board!
. Charging people $12+ per bottle just to stay hydrated is insane, especially when you think about how hot it gets in the city during the summer months. I mean, who can afford that kinda price? It's not like they're buying a drink or something... water should be basic, right? 
That's just ridiculous. In the UK and other countries, they already got this down pat – licensed premises have to offer free tap water. Let's get NYC on board too 
!
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. It's just not right.
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. Like, if there's an emergency and someone needs water, they should know where to find it right away 
. The push for change is definitely gaining momentum, and I'm all for it 
. We need more places like this in NYC, stat!
... it's so not cool, fam 
. But seriously, it's crazy that people have to deal with heatstroke and dehydration because they can't get a drink 
. I mean, I've been to festivals where the EMTs are like "what are we gonna do?" 
... this is a no-brainer, right? Free water stations at every club would literally save lives 
! We need to make sure these clubs can't exploit loopholes and keep patrons safe 
. This is all about prioritizing people over profits, you feel? 
. And what's up with the lack of regulation? It's not just about the money, it's about basic human rights and safety 
. The fact that some places in the US have already implemented free water stations is a good start, but NYC needs to step up their game ASAP! 
. This is all about prioritizing people's well-being over profits - let's get with the times, NYC! 
i ended up buyin water from a vendor outside and had to pay even more 
. Anyway I hope NYC gets some sense soon and makes these venues provide free water, it's not like it's gonna break the bank or anything 
. And what's up with these venues thinking they can exploit loopholes? It's all about prioritizing profits over people's safety 
. Let's hope NYC takes the hint and passes some real regulations soon 
i'm loving the movement tho with people speaking out and advocating for change esp after those high-profile incidents like billie eilish handing out water to her crowd 
. Can't we just find a middle ground or something? 