These days it seems as if every 20-something is making the post-grad move to Manhattan, and it’s no surprise, as it’s a bustling hub for business, has an incredible food scene, and is known to some as the entertainment capital of the world.

But even in New York, the concrete jungle where dreams are made, unfortunately, crime still exists. In 2022, the NYPD reported that crime increased by 23.5% in the city. If you’re a resident of New York yourself, are planning a trip, or have a loved one who lives there, you may have considered pepper spray or pepper gel for self-defense. After all, it’s an easy-to-use, convenient-to-carry personal safety tool that helps you defend yourself against a potential threat.

Photo: Zach Miles | Unsplash

The state of New York has certain laws and restrictions for pepper spray and pepper gel that you should know about. Here is everything you need to know about the pepper spray laws and where you can buy pepper spray in New York.

New York Pepper Spray Laws

Pepper spray is legal in New York for anyone 18 and older to carry and use for self-defense, but there are a few restrictions:

• Product canisters cannot contain more than 0.75 oz.
• Pepper spray strength cannot exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids
• Pepper sprays and gels can only be sold by licensed firearms dealers and licensed pharmacists
• Purchases must be made in person as it is illegal to ship pepper spray to New York
• There is a maximum of two sprays per purchase

Where to Buy Pepper Spray in New York

SABRE makes certain pepper spray and pepper gel products in a formula that abides by the above restrictions and is legal in New York.

Starting with the five Boroughs, Long Island, and then organized by city, here’s every store where you can buy SABRE pepper spray in the state of New York.

The Bronx

• Stat RX Pharmacy INC, 235 E. 167th St., Bronx NY 10456
• Arrow Army Navy 2440 Jerome Ave. Bronx, NY 10468
• Brother’s Police Store 3013 Webster Ave Bronx, NY 10458

Brooklyn

• Wave Pharmacy, 104 West End Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235
• AD Meyers Uniform 63 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
• Fulton Police Equipment 3129 Fulton Street Brooklyn, New York 11208
• Bay Park Pharmacy Corp. 3355 Neptune Ave Brooklyn, New York 11224
• Farmacon Pharmacy 8007 5th Ave Brooklyn, New York 11209
• Qualimeds Pharmacy 2272 86th St., Brooklyn NY 11214
• Bay Park Pharmacy 3355 Neptune Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11224
• Neighbor Care Pharmacy 2315 65th St., Brooklyn, NY 11204

Manhattan

• Esco Drug Co. 687 9th Ave New York, New York 1003
• Julie Pharmacy Corp 3621 Broadway New York, New York 10031
• Health Source 120 E 34th St New York, NY 10016
• Health Source 1000 First Ave New York, NY 10022
• Health Source 1296 Second Ave New York, NY 10065
• Arrow Pharmacy 883 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

Queens

• Blue Knight Police Depot 19-10 Hazen St. E. Elmhurst, New York 11370
• Jo-Paul’s Enterprises, Inc 105-02 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, New York 11418
• New York Police Shop 65-14 Metropolitan Ave. Middle Village, New York 11379
• Peace Love Pharmacy 63-52 Woodhaven Blvd. Rego Park, New York 11374
• Nature's Prescriptions 529 50th Avenue, Long Island City, New York 11101
• Mil-Rue Chemist Pharmacy 66-87 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood, New York 11385
• Grandview Pharmacy, 590 Grandview Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385
• Astor Pharmacy, 35-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

Staten Island

• A & J Police Equipment Store 359 Cleveland Ave Staten Island, New York 10308

Long Island

• Economy Uniforms 375 Westbury Ave Carlplace, New York 11514
• Vanco Pharmacy 30 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway Commack, New York 11725
• Long Island Gun Source LLC 2291 Rt 112 Meoford, New York 11763
• South Shore Sportsman, Inc. 9 Lansdowne Avenue Merrick, New York 11566
• Jimmy Sport Shop Inc 164 Jericho TPKE Mineola, New York 11501
• LI Outdoorsman Inc 434 Sunrise Hwy Rockville Centre, New York 11570

Alfred

• Alfred Pharmacy, 36 N Main Street, Alfred, NY 14802

Albany

• American Shooter Supply, 1702 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205
• B&J Shooting Sports / American Tactical 1702 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205

Auburn

• Bass Pro Auburn, NY | Bass Pro Shops 1579 Clark Street Road Auburn, NY 13021

Brewerton

• Brewerton Pharmacy 9679 Brewerton Rd. Brewerton, NY 13029

Cohoes

• American Trade & Goods, Inc. 1213 Loudon Ave. Cohoes, NY

Corning

• Ranger Outfitters 261 Baker Street Corning, New York 14830

Elmsford

• Blueline Tactical & Police 444 Saw Mill River Road Elmsford, NY 10523

Kingston

• Kenco Outfitters 1000 Hurley Mountain Road Kingston, New York 12401

Mahopac

• Buckshollow Emergency Equipment Corp. 14 Secor Rd. Mahopac, NY 845-526-1400

Massapequa

• The Cop Shop 560 Broadway Massapequa, NY 11758

Oswego

• Birddog Outdoor Stores 1953 County Route 7 Oswego, NY 13126

Olean

• Dan Horn Pharmacy 111 E. Greene Street, Olean, NY 14760

Patent

• Nine Mile Firearms 7435 Hoffman Road Holland Patent, New York 13354

Penfiled

• Penfield Armory 191 Whitney Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

Rochester

• New York Police Supply Inc. 1460 Ridge Rd. E. Rochester, NY 14621

Rock Hill

• Rock Hill Pharmacy 253 Rock Hill Roive Rock Hill, New York 12775

Utica

• Bass Pro Utica, NY | Bass Pro Shops 710 Horatio Street Utica, NY 13502

Uniondale

• Coliseum Gun Traders, Ltd. 1180 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale, NY 11553

Yorkville

• AX Tactical 4947 Commercial Drive, Ste. #2 Yorkville, NY 13495

NEW YORK PEPPER SPRAY FAQS:

Is pepper spray legal in New York?

• Pepper spray is legal in New York for individuals who are 18 and older with restrictions.

What are the restrictions on pepper spray in New York?

• Product canisters cannot contain more than 0.75 oz.
• Pepper spray strength cannot exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids

What are the restrictions on the purchase of pepper spray in New York?

• Pepper sprays and gels can only be sold by licensed firearms dealers and licensed pharmacists.
• Purchases must be made in person as it is illegal to ship pepper spray to New York.
• There is a maximum of two sprays per purchase.

Where can I buy pepper spray in New York?

• Locations to purchase pepper spray in New York are listed above.

What is the recommended pepper spray for use in New York?

• SABRE offers pepper sprays formulated specifically for New York. These can be purchased at the locations listed above.

Why is pepper spray recommended for self-defense in New York?

• Pepper spray is a great personal safety option. Last year, the NYPD reported that crime increased by 23.5% in the city. Carrying pepper spray can help keep you safer in the threat of danger and increase your confidence knowing you have protection.

Can tourists purchase pepper spray in New York?

• Tourists can purchase pepper spray in New York at the locations listed above.

What are the penalties for using pepper spray illegally in New York?

• Pepper spray is legal for those 18 and older to carry and use in New York. Illegal use or sale of pepper spray can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.

Are there any alternative self-defense options?

• SABRE offers a variety of personal safety options for those who may not want to use pepper spray. We carry personal alarms and stun guns as well as a variety of home security options.