City Provides Free Compliance Consultations To Help Businesses Open Safely Under Open Restaurants Program - SBS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 16, 2020

CITY PROVIDES FREE COMPLIANCE CONSULTATIONS TO HELP BUSINESSES OPEN SAFELY UNDER OPEN RESTAURANTS PROGRAM

NEW YORK – NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced the expansion of its no-cost compliance consultation services to help businesses open safely under the Open Restaurants program, avoiding costly fines and penalties. The new program is a virtual service focused on rules and regulations for the Open Restaurants Program, and helps small business owners understand common compliance challenges.

"Running a restaurant is a great feat and we want all 27,000 restaurants in New York to have the tools to survive and thrive during this time," said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. "This free, no-cost consultation helps our small businesses avoid costly fines and helps them comply with the latest regulations. We want the best for our small businesses and this program helps them succeed and empowers them to grow."

During the hour-long consultation, an SBS team member will survey the restaurant to look for violations. The team member will note any updates that need to be made and provide the business owner with a checklist of potential non-compliance issues. Fines will not be issued during this visit although the consultation will not exempt a business from the inspection and enforcement processes of City, State, or Federal agencies.

Business owners need a communications device with a microphone and camera, and access to WiFi or cellular service. Businesses can fill out the online application or call 888-SBS-4NYC to schedule a no-cost virtual compliance consultation.

Avoiding Costly Fines and Penalties: Topics covered during visit include

New York State guidelines

Personal protective equipment

Outdoor seating

Accessibility

About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.