Partygoers are pushing for clubs to offer free water: ‘It costs as much as a beer’

New York venues aren’t required to give out water – but nightlife workers say it could make the difference between a safe evening out and an ER visit

W

hen Brooklyn metal band Contract performs around New York, they expect a mosh pit: thrashing bodies shoving and jumping along to the music. They also want to make sure the amped-up, usually drunk crowd stays hydrated. Without water, a mosher might feel sick, faint or pass out. “You don’t want anyone to get injured or hurt,” frontman Pele Uriel said.

Most of the spaces Uriel plays or visits have water stations where customers can easily fill up. But some do not. The worst offenders sell bottles of water at astronomical prices, from $5 to $10. “There have been times when I asked for water, but they charged a lot, so I went to the store next door to buy some,” Uriel said.

These venues are not breaking any rules. The city of New York, home to more than 25,000 bars, clubs and other nightlife venues, does not require them to supply free water to patrons. While a majority do – and most bartenders are trained to look out for signs of an inebriated customer – this most basic safety precaution is not accepted by all.