Ahead of MTA Meeting, Health, Community Leaders Rally For Alcohol Ad Ban on Transit

Following the decision to reverse a 2017 alcohol ad ban on transit, advocates will rally for MTA board to restart ban, and expound the prohibitive costs of alcohol-related marketing on the State's healthcare budget

NEW YORK, NY (07/29/2025) (readMedia)-- On Wednesday, July 30 at 8:30 AM, health experts and community leaders will rally outside the MTA's monthly board hearing, and urge the agency to reinstate its recently overturned 2017 ban on alcohol advertising across subways and buses.

The rally, led by the Interfaith Public Health Network and supported by medical and faith leaders, comes in response to the MTA's recent decision to reverse its longstanding policy limiting alcohol marketing on public transit - despite overwhelming evidence of its impact on public health, especially communities of color, low-income riders and young people.

Alcohol-related healthcare expenses cost New Yorkers over $843 per person each year, and total over $12.6 billion statewide, according to data from the 2025 NYS Alcohol Policy Summit. In 2020 alone, Medicaid spending on alcohol-related claims accounted for $129 million - compounding existing pressure on the State's executive budget.

WHO:

Interfaith Public Health Network

Phoenix House of NY & LI

Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness

Muslim Community Network

Korean Community Services of Metro NY

NYC Prevention Resource Center

TYSA Behavioral Health Coalition

[LIST IN FORMATION]
WHAT:

A press conference and rally urging the MTA Board to reinstate its 2017 ban on alcohol advertising across subways, buses, and stations. Advocates will speak out about the public health risks of alcohol marketing on public transit, particularly its impact on youth, people in recovery, and communities of color. Speakers will also highlight the significant burden alcohol-related harms place on the State’s healthcare system and Medicaid budget — costs that directly contradict New York’s stated goals to reduce public health expenditures and improve health equity.
WHEN: Wednesday July 30, 2025 at 08:30AM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: 2 Broadway (outside on the street)
New York, New York 10004
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