Yesterday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he issued an executive order banning all alcohol advertising on City property.  The order takes effect immediately. 

The executive order requires that all contracts that provide for advertising on City property include a provision prohibiting advertising, sponsorship, or branding promoting alcohol.  The ban will prohibit advertising on City property such as bus shelters, news stands, phone booths, Wi-Fi kiosks, and recycling kiosks. 

The ban does not apply to portions of City-owned properties, such as restaurants, stadiums, and concert halls, that are authorized to sell alcohol.  

In a statement announcing the ban, Mayor de Blasio said, “There’s no doubt that far too many New Yorkers struggle with serious substance misuse issues, among them excessive drinking.  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.”

The order only applies to new City contracts.  Existing advertising arrangements will remain in effect.