Bloomberg Signs Koslowitz's Newsstands Legislation

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has signed into law a bill proposed by Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, D-Forest Hills, that would allow newsstands in the five boroughs to remain competitive.

Newsstands will now be able to sell products at a retail price limit of $10 as opposed to the previous price cap of $5, the councilwoman said.

The last increase was in 2001 when Council legislation increased the maximum price from $2 to $5.

“Prices for many products that consumers often need have increased since 2001,” Koslowitz said. “This law will help newsstands throughout New York City remain competitive by expanding their market to the various ‘on the go’ consumer needs, such as batteries and chargers to personal hygiene products and earphones.”

The law would only impact newsstands under the jurisdiction of the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs and exempt newspapers, magazines, periodicals and prepaid calling cards or transit cards from the price limit.