Enforcing “6 in 60” Law to Address Problem Bars

Last week, I joined my colleagues Senator Daniel Squadron, Borough President Gale Brewer, Assembly Members Deborah Glick, Brian Kavanagh, and Sheldon Silver, and Council Members Margaret Chin and Rosie Mendez in writing to NYPD Commissioner William Bratton asking for stronger enforcement of a law meant to address non-criminal complaints emanating from liquor licensed establishments. The “6 in 60” law, passed in 2010, establishes a clear legal standard – six incidents reported by police to the State Liquor Authority (SLA) within any 60 day period – for determining when a liquor licensed premise has become a focal point for police attention and is thereby subject to review by the State Liquor Authority. Based on concerns brought up by our local community boards and constituents, we are concerned that the NYPD currently may not be enforcing this law appropriately. We look forward to working with the NYPD, SLA, and the community to better implement this law. Please see our joint letter attached.