Sports venues in New York City will soon be required to allow attendees to enter with reusable bottles, as legislation passed by the City Council aims to reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles. The bill, known as Introduction No. 1161-A, passed by a veto-proof vote of 40-7 on Wednesday. The legislation specifically targets bottles made primarily of aluminum or stainless steel and imposes fines on venues that fail to comply. Mayor Eric Adams has the power to sign or veto the bill, but if vetoed, it can still be overridden by the council with a two-thirds vote. Once enacted, the law would take effect 120 days later.
Venues such as Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and the Mets have yet to respond to inquiries about the legislation, while Yankee Stadium already allows nonglass reusable bottles of a certain size. The U.S. Open is ahead of the curve, allowing attendees to bring their own plastic or metal bottles and offering on-site refill stations. The passage of this legislation aligns with the efforts of the Natural Resources Defense Council to eliminate the consumption and disposal of plastic water bottles at stadiums and arenas in the city.
Under the new law, venues that do not comply would face escalating fines for each violation. The first violation would result in a $500 fine, followed by $750 for the second violation within 12 months, and $1,000 for the third violation and subsequent offenses. The legislation does not currently mandate that venues provide water for refilling bottles, although Councilman Shaun Abreu, the lead sponsor, has indicated that legislation requiring portable water stations at sports venues is on the horizon.
This latest move by the New York City government follows previous actions aimed at promoting sustainable practices. Since November 2021, food-service establishments have been prohibited from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by customers. In late July 2023, plastic utensils and other items were also banned from delivery or takeout orders, except upon request. Furthermore, since March 2020, the state has been enforcing a ban on plastic carryout bags at supermarkets and groceries, ensuring more eco-friendly options.
With the passage of this legislation, New York City takes a step closer to reducing plastic waste and encouraging more sustainable choices among its residents and visitors. The move reflects growing concerns about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, with authorities and individuals alike recognizing the need for change. By requiring sports venues to allow reusable bottles, the city seeks to set an example and make it easier for people to adopt eco-friendly habits.
