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Bill de Blasio on Drugs
NYC Mayor; Democratic Presidential Challenger
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Ban all alcohol advertising on city property
Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced an Executive Order banning all alcohol advertising on City property, including bus shelters, newsstands, phone booths, Wi-Fi LinkNYC kiosks and recycling kiosks. The order will take effect immediately, meaning any
future contracts or contract renewals must exclude alcohol from the advertisements. Venues currently permitted to sell alcohol, such as restaurants, stadiums, and concerts halls, are exempt from the ban."There's no doubt that far too many
New Yorkers struggle with serious substance misuse issues, among them excessive drinking," said Mayor de Blasio. "This order banning alcohol ads from City property reaffirms our commitment to health equity and our stand to protect the well-being of all
New Yorkers."
High exposure to alcohol advertisements can lead to increased likelihood and quantity of alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. In 2016, there were over 110,000 alcohol-related emergency department visits in NYC.
Source: Mayoral press release, "Alcohol Advertising Ban," NYC.gov
, May 1, 2019
Sue Big Pharma for opioid addiction; open overdose centers
We're not afraid in this town to take on the big corporations. So we sued the big pharmaceutical companies for peddling addiction, for helping to create the opioid crisis.We're going to fight to get the resources we deserve back from those
companies, so we can help New Yorkers. But nonetheless, with the tools at hand today, we're stemming the tide of overdose deaths. We are opening overdose prevention centers anyway. Because there is no wrong way to save lives.
Source: 2019 State of the City address
, Jan 10, 2019
50,000 arrests for marijuana possession unjust and wrong
In New York City, nearly 50,000 people were arrested last year for marijuana possession. Low-level marijuana possession arrests have disastrous consequences for individuals and their families. These arrests limit one's ability to qualify for student
financial aid and undermine one's ability to find stable housing and good jobs. What's more, recent studies demonstrate clear racial bias in arrests for low-level possession, with African-Americans arrested four times more frequently as whites--despite
roughly equal usage rates.This policy is unjust and wrong. First-time offenses for possession of small amounts of marijuana are supposed to be punishable by fine only, unless publicly displayed. However, too many young African-Americans and
Hispanics--without prior convictions--are still arrested for marijuana possession after being stopped and frisked by police, who then treat it as public display. Bill de Blasio will direct the NYPD to stop these misguided prosecutions.
Source: 2013 Mayoral campaign website, www.billdeblasio.com
, Oct 22, 2013
Page last updated: Dec 14, 2019