Anti-Overdose Drugs Join Booze Behind NYC Nightclub Bars

NEW YORK CITY — A chaser of anti-overdose drugs could be served up alongside shots of liquor in New York City's nightclubs and bars.

Mayor Eric Adams signed a bill into law Thursday that gives free kits of Narcan — a drug that reverses opioid overdoses — to the city's nightlife establishments.

"Right next to the alcohol that's served, there's going to be Narcan to help serve those who are dealing with any form of drug overdose," he said during a bill signing ceremony.

New York City saw 1,956 overdose deaths during the first three quarters of 2021, data shows.

Adams said the "alarming number" came out to an overdose every three hours. He said many overdoses were tied to cocaine laced with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that illegal drug manufacturers add to other drugs to make them more powerful.

Many users aren't even aware fentanyl is actually in drugs, he said.

"Giving our bars, clubs, and venues the tools they need to deal with an unlikely event of an overdose really helps all the establishments that are involved," he said.

The bill shepherded by Council Members Keith Powers and Chi Osséaims to reduce the number of accidental overdoses

“This is an overdue measure that will, simply, save lives,” Ossé said in a statement.