State Law Stops The Inexorable Flier

A state law went into effect yesterday that allows property owners to opt out of receiving unwanted fliers and circulars:

If menus madden and advertisements annoy, city dwellers will soon be able to stop them before they land on their doorsteps, thanks to a state law that hit the books yesterday.

The pizzeria, barber shop or delicatessen down the street will be banned from dropping its advertisements at buildings that post a sign saying unauthorized fliers are not welcome. Violators will rack up fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 per violation.

Sponsors of the law say the circulars not only create litter but are also a safety hazard. “You leave your house for three days, you come home and there’s 11 fliers on your lawn,” said Assemb. Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck). “Then people know nobody’s home.”

The city will wait to enforce the law until the Legislature reconvenes in the fall, Weprin said.

That’s because city lawmakers want to modify the law for multifamily buildings. Under the change, if some tenants still want menus, the owner can post a sign indicating how many residents want the advertisements and where they should be dropped.