In New York City, you can legally buy pepper spray only in person from licensed firearms dealers or licensed pharmacies due to state law restrictions. Online sales of pepper spray are prohibited in New York. Where to buy pepper spray in NYC:
- Licensed pharmacies such as Esco Pharmacy at 687 9th Avenue in Manhattan carry pepper spray products like MACE and SABRE brands.
- Health Source Pharmacy in Manhattan reportedly sells POM pepper spray, although POM formulations may not be fully NYS legal.
- Licensed firearms dealers and gun shops in NYC also stock state-approved pepper spray.
- Some major pharmacy chains (e.g., Walgreens, CVS) may carry New York-compliant pepper spray at select locations, but it's best to call ahead to confirm availability.
- Outdoor and sporting goods stores might also have legal pepper spray options.
- Target stores in NYC have been mentioned by customers as places to find pepper spray, but again, calling ahead is recommended.
Important legal notes:
- You must be 18 or older to purchase pepper spray.
- You cannot have a felony conviction.
- The pepper spray sold in New York must have a weaker formulation and cannot contain UV dye, unlike sprays in other states.
To summarize, your best bet is to visit a licensed pharmacy or gun shop in NYC to buy legal pepper spray in person. Calling ahead to confirm stock is advisable due to varying availability.
