PrintBill Introduced to Legalize Beekeeping in New York City
Currently beekeeping is illegal in New York City due to health codes prohibiting the possession, keeping, harboring and selling of "venomous insects" (that includes bees). But under a new bill sponsored by Council Member David Yassky, applicants can apply for a license, which would trump the health code's prohibition.
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6 Comments:
Here is the link to the petition:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/legalize-beekeeping.html
Sign it!!!
simon at 1:55PM on 01/30/09
I'm sure there are plenty of clandestine hives in NYC. Believe it or not beekeeping can work out great in the big city. I had hives on a roof in a big city north of NYC. Where they are out of site and out of mind to nosy and paranoid neighbors
gaffer at 7:55PM on 01/30/09
There are a few hives already on city roofs. It would be great if we could have more safe places to raise bees, since they're disappearing at an alarming rate.
I'm all for it - just signed the petition now.
butterface at 11:33PM on 01/31/09
Wait, that locally sourced honey that I've been buying from Berkshire Berries is illegal??? WTF? The honey, from NYC rooftops, is contraband?
bronxbrinergal at 10:54AM on 02/02/09
@bronxbrinergal: Are you referring to the Massachusetts-based Berkshire Berries? If so, they follow different state legislation.
Regardless, I ran your question by Tim Roberts, the policy director for council member David Yassky. His response:
Hi Erin,
My understanding is that “local” honey could be made outside of NYC, such as in Westchester, Long Island, etc. Having said that, if the honey was produce in NYC by a private citizen, then yes, they have violated he Health Code, and if caught have the potential of being subjected to up to a $2,000 fine.
Best,
Tim
Erin Zimmer at 5:31PM on 02/02/09
The legalization effort seems to have made the formerly reclusive beekeepers that actually do keep bees in NYC a little more bold:
http://GothamCityBees.com
food1e at 12:44PM on 02/11/09