Amid furious lobbying by opponents, the Philadelphia City Council tabled a controversial ordinance on Thursday that would prevent drug makers from giving gifts to doctors, require all sales reps to become licensed, and prohibit distribution of copay coupons for controlled substances.
The delay followed recent amendments that were made by lawmakers who sponsored the legislation, which is designed to blunt the opioid crisis. But their gesture did little to assuage the concerns of local hoteliers and restaurant owners, who assembled a campaign of lobbyists and targeted emails to complain that their businesses would be irreparably damaged if the ordinance is enacted (you can watch the proceedings here, go to 2:18:33).
“Of course, we’re concerned about the opioid crisis, but this bill doesn’t go after just the opioid manufacturer, it includes every pharmaceutical company,” said Melissa Bova of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, who estimated her clients could lose 25 percent of their revenue. “We think the bill should be tailored to go after the bad guys and not hurt the hospitality industry in Philadelphia.”
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