Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today introduced legislation requiring carbon monoxide detectors in commercial establishments, such as restaurants, businesses and other public areas. The bill was drafted following a local tragedy, where a restaurant manager died and 27 people – including three police officers and four ambulance personnel – were transported to area hospitals.

“The events of last weekend were a tremendous tragedy,” said McDonough. “Unfortunately, the death of restaurant manager Steve Nelson and the hospitalization of 27 others could have been prevented if the restaurant had a carbon monoxide detector as we all do in our homes. If a CO detector had been in place, the leak would have been noticed, and it is likely that everyone would have been evacuated safely. This legislation rights what is now a tragic shortcoming in our state.”

Current New York State law requires an operable carbon monoxide detector in every one- or two-family home, condominium and cooperative. However, the law does not require restaurants and other commercial spaces to have a detector. Under McDonough’s bill, restaurants and other public places would be required to install at least one carbon monoxide detector.