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

NYC Clubs Under Fire for Lack of Free Water: 'It Costs as Much as a Beer'

As the city's nightlife scene continues to thrive, concerns are growing about the lack of free water in many venues, leaving patrons dehydrated and potentially at risk. The issue has been brought to light by partygoers who have had to shell out astronomical prices for a simple bottle of water, with some venues charging as much as $12.

Contract, a Brooklyn metal band, understands the importance of staying hydrated during their performances. "You don't want anyone to get injured or hurt," says frontman Pele Uriel. However, not all spaces have water stations where customers can easily fill up. Some venues sell bottled water at exorbitant prices, making it difficult for patrons to stay safe.

Brian Hackel, an EMT who works at local festivals and events, often finds himself treating partygoers suffering from heatstroke brought on by dehydration. "When things do happen, free water makes it not as bad for that person," he said. The EMT estimates that in some cases, the cost of providing IV drips can be as high as $700 to $800.

The issue is not unique to New York City, with other locales taking steps to ensure patrons have access to free water. In San Francisco, any venue with a dancefloor must provide "free, cool drinking water." Similarly, in Minnesota, ticketed events with more than 100 attendees are required to make free water available.

The UK has also taken steps to address the issue, with harm reduction non-profits campaigning for establishments to provide free, cold tap water to customers. The law is now vague, however, and there are many ways venues can interpret it. While some clubs feature ice water bars or have clearly illuminated stations, others may not.

Security staff at concert venues usually have bottled water on hand, but the lack of accessible hydration options can be a major concern. Artists often stop concerts to assist fans in need, while publicists like Richard Gallo wonder why venues can't simply provide free water stations.

Harm reduction advocates argue that taking care of patrons is a good investment, as people want to go to places where they feel safe and cared for. "In my experience, doing the right thing is profitable," said DanceSafe director Richard Hartnell. By providing free water, venues can ensure patron safety and build trust with their customers.

The Brooklyn Mirage, a now-shuttered megaclub, once charged patrons almost as much for water as they did for beer. The club's staff reportedly made money by selling water to "pill crowds," highlighting the need for clearer regulations and better hydration options in the city's nightlife scene.

I mean, come on! $12 for a bottle of water? That's insane! What's next, charging people to breathe? I don't get it, if you're gonna make money off people's hard-earned cash, at least give 'em something they need, like water. And what about all the poor people who can't afford that kinda thing? They should be getting a free drink, not being ripped off.

And I'm glad someone's bringing this up, because it's not just NYC, we got other places doing stuff like this too. San Francisco's got a law that requires venues to have free water, and Minnesota's got rules for events with more than 100 people. But what about all the clubs in between? The ones where you gotta ask for permission to get a drink of water?

I don't think it's that hard, just put up some free water stations and call it a day! You'd be surprised how much money that could save venues. And it's not just about being nice, it's about safety. Dehydration can lead to some serious health issues, especially for people who are already under the weather.

I mean, I'm all for regulations and stuff, but sometimes you gotta think about what's best for people, not just what's gonna make you money. Free water? It ain't that hard!

I'm shocked that some NYC clubs are charging ppl $12+ for a bottle of water? That's insane! You can't be serious, it's like they're trying to take advantage of people who just wanna have fun and stay hydrated. I mean, I get it, some venues might not have the resources to provide free water, but come on, that's no excuse for charging exorbitant prices.

I also don't understand why ppl can't just bring their own refillable bottles like they do in other places. It's not like it's gonna break the bank or anything. And what's with the lack of clear regulations? I mean, I know we're talking about nightlife and all, but come on, people's health is at stake here!

I think harm reduction non-profits are onto something with this free water thing. It's not just about patron safety, it's about creating a safe and welcoming environment for ppl to enjoy themselves without worrying about dehydration or heatstroke.

man I'm shocked that some clubs are pricing water like it's a premium drink $12 for a bottle of water is crazy. I mean I get it, they're trying to make money but come on, it's not like you're serving up craft beers here. And what's the worst that can happen if someone gets dehydrated? they'll die or something dramatic like that . No, seriously though, this is a major red flag for safety and basic human decency. Can't these places just spring for some water coolers or something?! And what's with the lack of regulations here? I mean we've got laws about everything else but hydration? Give me a break .

I think this is a huge wake-up call for all of us, especially those who enjoy going out at night . It's not just about having a good time, it's about being responsible and taking care of ourselves . I mean, how can we expect to keep dancing or enjoying ourselves when we're dehydrated? It's all about prioritizing our safety and well-being. And let's be real, $12 for a bottle of water is just ridiculous . Venues need to step up their game and provide free water stations ASAP . By doing so, they'll not only save lives but also build trust with their customers and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone . It's all about the people, folks!

I mean, come on, who doesn't want a free bottle of water at a club? It's not like you're asking for much. But apparently, some venues are making patrons shell out crazy prices just to stay hydrated. That's wild! And it's not just the cost - dehydration can be super serious, especially when you're dancing all night and not getting enough water. So yeah, I think it's a no-brainer for venues to start offering free water. It's good business too! More people will want to come to places that prioritize their safety and well-being. I mean, who wants to go to a club where the bartender is more interested in making a quick buck than in keeping you safe?

I mean, can you believe some of these NYC clubs charging $12 for a bottle of water? It's like they're trying to make money off people who are already under the influence or not feeling well . And it's not just about the money, it's about safety and taking care of your customers. I've seen people get heatstroke from dehydration at festivals and events before, and it's always a nightmare to deal with.

If we're going to have safe spaces for people to party, we need to make sure they have access to free water. It's not that hard or expensive! And if venues can't afford to provide water, maybe they shouldn't be in the nightlife business. We should be supporting places that prioritize our safety and well-being.

And it's not just NYC, this is an issue everywhere. I've seen videos of festivals in other countries where people are having to bring their own water bottles or pay exorbitant prices for a bottle of water. It's time for some change!

You know what really gets me ? The prices of bottled water in NYC clubs are absolutely insane . $12 for a bottle of water? It's like they're nickel-and-diming people to death . As someone who's worked out with dehydration, it's terrifying to think that there are places where people can get heatstroke just because they can't afford a drink of water .

I'm all for venues making money, but this is ridiculous . If they're going to sell beer, shouldn't they also provide free water? It's not like it's that hard to install a few water stations and call it a day . I mean, some cities are already doing it, so why can't NYC? It's just common sense .

And have you seen the prices of IV drips in some cases? Like, $700 to $800? That's crazy . I get that sometimes things go wrong, but shouldn't venues be taking responsibility for their customers' health and well-being? They should be investing in free water stations instead of making a quick buck off people who need it most .

I'm all for harm reduction advocates making the case for free water, because they're right . When you feel safe and taken care of at a venue, you're more likely to have a good time and come back . It's just basic human decency, and venues should be doing more to prioritize their customers' health and safety .

It's crazy that some clubs are charging people up to $12 for a bottle of water ! I mean, you're basically asking someone to spend more on water than they would on beer or shots. I get it, businesses need to make money, but come on, prioritize your customers' well-being! It's especially concerning when you think about people who might not be feeling great and need some extra hydration to stay safe. Having a free water station at the club could actually end up being a good investment for the business in the long run .

I just had the craziest thought... like if clubs just gave free water, people would actually stay hydrated during those wild parties it's not that hard to set up a few water stations, especially at festivals and concerts where you know everyone's gonna be sweating buckets anyway. And think about all the money they'd save on IV drips... or worse, having EMTs like Brian Hackel treat dehydration cases I mean, who needs a beer for $12 when you can have a free bottle of water? It's not that hard to prioritize people's health over profits

omg this is wild $12 for a bottle of water? that's like, crazy expensive some ppl gotta know their limits dehydration is no joke and if u rnt careful it can b serious 99% of the time i can handle my own hydration but what about those who cant? idk why venues cant just spring for a water fountain or somethin like, how hard is it to provide free water? its all about prioritizin patron safety & well-being

I'm thinking... it's crazy that some clubs are charging like $12 for a bottle of water ! I mean, come on, you're already paying to go out and have fun, shouldn't having access to free water be a basic human right? It's not just about staying hydrated, it's also about people's safety... heatstroke is no joke .

And yeah, I've been to some places where the staff would sell you bottled water and then just sit around drinking on duty . Like, what are they even doing with that money? It'd be so much better if clubs could provide free water stations and just make it a standard thing .

I'm glad some cities like San Francisco and Minnesota are taking steps to address this issue . And the UK is getting into it too, with harm reduction non-profits pushing for clearer regulations . I think providing free water would not only be good for patrons but also for business owners... a happy customer is a loyal one .

It's just common sense, you know? If you're going to go out and have a drink, you should at least be able to get some water too .

I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE HOW RIDICULOUS IT IS FOR NIGHTCLUBS TO CHARGE PEOPLE SO MUCH FOR WATER!!! it's not like they're selling a beer or something, just a bottle of water! and what really gets me is that some venues are making bank off people buying overpriced bottled water like, hello! providing free water isn't gonna hurt anyone. it's actually pretty smart business to make sure people are hydrated and safe while they're having fun. i mean, think about it, if you get heatstroke or dehydrated, you might need medical attention which can be super expensive so yeah, it makes total sense for clubs to provide free water. and can we talk about the UK's vague laws ? it's crazy that venues are still finding ways to avoid providing free water. let's get some clearer regulations in place already!

It's astonishing that some NYC clubs are charging exorbitant prices for bottled water, essentially forcing patrons to pay an arm and a leg just to quench their thirst . Not only is this dehydration-ridden gamble hazardous to one's health, but it also reflects poorly on the club's commitment to patron safety.

As we've seen in other cities like San Francisco and Minnesota, providing free water can go a long way in creating a safe and welcoming environment for customers. I think venues should prioritize hydration stations that are easily accessible and well-marked – after all, staying hydrated is key to preventing heatstroke and other serious health issues .

Moreover, offering free water aligns with the principles of harm reduction, which advocates argue can be profitable in the long run by fostering a culture of trust and care among patrons . It's not just about doing the right thing; it's also about business sense!

omg I cant even imagine having to buy a whole bottle of water for $12 just to stay hydrated at a party it's wild that some venues are charging that much, like what if you're out with friends and one of you is feeling really sick or dehydrated? shouldn't they have free water stations so everyone can take care of each other? i'm glad there are people like Brian Hackel who are on the ground making sure people are okay, but it's still crazy that some places are just letting people suffer because they don't want to spend a few dollars on water

I'm like totally down with free water at clubs , but at the same time, I think it's kinda crazy that some places can't even spring for a bottle of water without charging an arm and a leg . Like, what's up with that? It's just common sense to have some hydrating options available, especially after a few drinks .

I mean, I've seen those ice water bars at festivals and stuff, and they're actually pretty cool . But for regular clubs, it's like, why not just set up some water stations or something? It's not that hard, right?

And don't even get me started on the $700-$800 IV drip thing ... like, what are we even talking about here? Can't we just have free water, period?

I think it's super irresponsible of some clubs to charge crazy prices for a bottle of water, especially when people are already dehydrated from dancing all night . Like, what even is the point of going out if you can't even get a drink of water without breaking the bank? And honestly, it's not like they're selling beer or liquor - just plain old H2O .

It's awesome that some places are taking steps to provide free water, though! The idea that venues with more than 100 attendees have to make it available is a great start . And I'm loving the fact that harm reduction non-profs are pushing for clearer regulations and better hydration options in the nightlife scene .

I mean, can you imagine if they charged $12 for water and said "oh well, maybe you should've brought your own"? Like, what kind of venue does that? . It's all about providing a safe space for people to have fun, not making them pay through the nose for basic human needs .

When it comes to taking care of your customers, treat them like you would want to be treated – with kindness & respect. By providing free water, venues can show that they're invested in people's well-being, not just their wallets

I'm totally bummed about this, it's crazy that some clubs are charging insane prices for bottled water! Like, I get it, businesses gotta make cash, but come on, free water is like, super reasonable, right? It's not like it's gonna break the bank or anything. And can you imagine having to shell out $12 just to stay hydrated during a night out? That's, like, totally sketchy.

I'm all for venues taking care of their patrons and making sure they're safe and happy. It's not just about providing free water, it's also about building trust with customers. And, let's be real, if you can make money off selling water to thirsty partygoers, that's like, a pretty easy way to build a business.

it's wild that ppl are gettin paid thousands to party at these clubs & then gotta shell out $$$ for a bottle of water the cost is insane! £12 is crazy, who can afford that on top of drinks & food? it's not cool that security staff have to deal with dehydration emergencies. free water stations should be a norm in all venues, esp those that are making loads of money from ppl coming in