Brooklyn Mirage faces backlash after banning naloxone amidst broader safety concerns. Patrons have expressed fears that not enough is being done to keep them safe.
Security and safety have become a growing concern for patrons of Brooklyn Mirage and its parent, Avant Gardner. Yet, seemingly out of nowhere, naloxone was banned from the venue, although it did not appear on its prohibited items list.
During a recent show, I was carrying sealed Narcan (naloxone) into the venue. I carry a sealed package of Narcan to nearly every event I attend, and the only issue I’ve encountered is when a security person doesn’t know what it is.
On the night in question, security escorted me to a medic who said that Narcan was banned inside the venue. I stated that sealed Narcan is legal in all spaces in NYC. The medic responded that the venue can ban anything it sees fit, and there are no exceptions to their rules. While taken aback by this policy, I also understood that the medic couldn’t override it, so I let it go for the night.
Email inquiries were made to Brooklyn Mirage and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The venue has not responded at this time, but the city has, and they support our feeling that naloxone should be allowed.
I am writing to you on behalf of Commissioner Vasan in response to your inquiry dated 8/24/24. Thank you for reporting this incident. We are sorry that this has happened.
As you know, naloxone is a safe and effective medication at reversing an opioid overdose and save lives. We know that when responding to an opioid overdose emergency, seconds matter.
We have followed up on this incident with the Office of Nightlife (ONL) and they have informed us that Brooklyn Mirage will be updating their policy to allow patrons to carry naloxone inside their venue. We will be following up directly with Brooklyn Mirage to ensure they are aware or recent complaints and offer resources and training.
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
The response goes on to offer access to naloxone training and resources, too. It’s clear that the city takes this matter seriously and wants naloxone to be readily available when it may be needed. Patrons like us certainly agree.
It remains to be seen how Brooklyn Mirage will adapt to this request. As a private venue, they can indeed ban anything that they want. However, it also seems to be in their best interest to comply as, ultimately, patrons will spread the word if they feel unsafe, and those patrons can speak quite loudly if they choose not to purchase tickets.
This isn’t the only concern that continues to surround Brooklyn Mirage. Last summer, two patrons were found dead in a nearby creek, heightening fears that the venue and surrounding neighborhood may not be safe. At the time, both the venue and the city pledged to improve security in the area.
Since then, there has been a notable reduction in the number of illegal rideshare drivers offering their services and better lighting on the street adjacent to the venue. However, the added lighting does not extend to other streets frequented by those walking to and from transportation locations, and there seems to be a lack of NYPD or private security in the area. Just days ago, another man was found dead in Newton Creek after attending a show at the nearby Knockdown Center.
We truly hope Brooklyn Mirage and Avant Gardner make changes and take other steps to help patrons feel safer.