Pepper spray is close to being legalized in New York — and it’s about time

 

by Rikki Schlott

Pepper spray, aka mace, is an effective, non-lethal form of self-defense. And yet, it’s just about impossible to get in New York, thanks to a state law that bans shipping it to addresses here and only allows specially licensed pharmacists and firearm dealers to sell it.

But that might finally change soon. A new bill proposed by State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton would remove restrictions on which businesses can sell pepper spray and let New York residents buy pepper spray online and ship it to their homes without hassle.

“This is about, first and foremost, making sure people feel safer and feel they have some defense against someone who has nefarious intent,” Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat representing New York’s 23rd District, told The Post. “It’s just very, very common sense.”

She’s totally right. As a young woman living in New York City, pepper spray has been my saving grace in sticky situations with predators on the street. I always carry it on my keychain. I’ve only had to brandish it three or four times, and, thankfully, I’ve never had to deploy it.

The closest I came to actually spraying someone was in 2022 when I was aggressively pursued in Union Square for blocks by a stranger who threatened to rape me.

I ran into a pharmacy, thinking he wouldn’t follow me, but he did. When he had me cornered, I pulled out my mace, which caused him to hesitate for a split second — giving me the opportunity to run for the door and make it home safely. 

Numerous other times — like when trapped on a subway car with an unhinged person — just knowing I have mace has been a comfort. 

I’m lucky to have a family in New Jersey, where I can receive shipments of pepper spray, but New Yorkers shouldn’t have to jump through such silly hoops to protect themselves. I’m grateful that a lawmaker has finally stepped up to fix this on behalf of vulnerable New Yorkers.

Most states only impose reasonable restrictions on pepper spray, like preventing sale to minors or enforcing caps on how large canisters can be. New York is one of just three states to impose major restrictions on it.

Hawaii has outlawed the online sale of mace, while Massachusetts only allows licensed firearms dealers to sell the product.

Scarcella-Spanton introduced Senate Bill S4922A, which would make mace much more accessible for New Yorkers, in February.

“I’m a woman, and I have a whole staff of young people, and I know that they would feel safer being able to protect themselves,” Scarcella-Spanton, whose district encompasses most of the North shore of Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, said.

She added, “It’s just an easy, non-lethal tool to feel safe when you’re going out, whether you’re going to work or walking from the train station late.”

The promising new bill was co-sponsored by Democrats Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. and Christopher J. Ryan, as well as Republican Anthony H. Palumbo. It was introduced late in the last session, and is expected to be voted on in the following. So far, there has been no major pushback.

Scarcella-Spanton says the issue came to her attention because some friends were complaining about how difficult it was to get pepper spray in New York. She believes women shouldn’t have barriers to basic self-defense.

“As a mother of an 11-year-old daughter who is coming of age, my goal is to make sure that young women and all people really feel safe and secure,” Scarcella-Spanton said. “I do believe this is something that could help save a life.”