"When 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."
"Brian Hackel, an EMT who works at local festivals and events, often finds himself treating partygoers suffering from heatstroke brought on by high temperatures, close crowds and dehydration. When things do happen, free water makes it not as bad for that person, he said. It absolutely makes a difference between someone getting an Uber and only having to go to urgent care, as opposed to needing an ambulance to a hospital where an IV drip can cost between $700-800."
When Brooklyn metal band Contract plays in New York, the band expects mosh pits and prioritizes keeping the often-inebriated crowd hydrated. Many venues have water stations, but some do not and instead sell bottled water for $5 to $10. New York does not require businesses to provide free drinking water to patrons. EMT Brian Hackel often treats heatstroke and dehydration at events and says free water can prevent escalation to ambulance trips and costly hospital IVs. Other jurisdictions such as San Francisco, Connecticut and Minnesota have laws requiring free water at certain dancefloors or events. Charging high prices for water creates health and safety risks.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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