City Expanding Initiative Offering Free, On-Site Compliance Consultations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Contact: Nick Benson, SBS Press Secretary - nbenson@sbs.nyc.gov, 212-618-6778

CITY EXPANDING INITIATIVE OFFERING FREE, ON-SITE COMPLIANCE CONSULTATIONS THAT HELP SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS PREVENT COSTLY FINES AND PENALTIES

Announced During National Small Business Week, New Resources Now Providing Business Owners With Information On Common Violations To Avoid Based On Their Business Type

Mayor de Blasio's Broader Focus On Compliance Has Resulted In a 40% Decrease In Fines Against Small Businesses Since 2014

NEW YORK – Commissioner Gregg Bishop of NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) today, during National Small Business Week, announced the expansion of an initiative that offers free, on-site compliance consultations to help small business owners prevent costly fines and penalties. The compliance consultations, which first launched one year ago, have served nearly 1,000 small businesses across New York City. To expand the initiative's reach, SBS is offering new resources on the most common violations that occur by business type. This service is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's larger Small Business First initiative, which includes the goal of reducing fines and penalties against small businesses. Since 2014, Mayor de Blasio's administration has achieved a 40% decrease in fines assessed against small businesses.

"Running a small business is a labor of love, and the City of New York wants to make it as easy as possible for business owners to succeed," said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. "Since 2014, the City has reduced fines against small businesses by 40%, and these new compliance resources are another step in the right direction."

"The compliance advisors at SBS have done a phenomenal job going around the city offering free advice to small business owners," said Council Member Robert Cornegy, Chair of the New York City Council's Small Business Committee. "Unnecessary regulation is no longer a perennial cause of concern for many small businesses. Government regulations, while necessary, must always be sensible and pragmatic. Our city's legislators are leading the way in changing not only the issues faced in New York City, but nationwide as well."

The new resources unveiled today highlight for small business owners the most commonly issued violations by business type. By learning which violations are frequently identified during City inspections, business owners have the information they need to comply with regulations and avoid costly fines and penalties. Compliance consultations are available free of charge and allow small business owners to receive direct, on-site guidance from the City. More information on common business violations may be found by visiting on.nyc.gov/commonviolations.

Businesses may call 311 or visit nyc.gov/bizconsult to schedule a free on-site compliance consultation.

Avoiding Costly Fines and Penalties: What To Look For By Business Type

Food Service Businesses

Maintaining correct food temperatures: $250-600 fine

Presence of pests and pest-friendly conditions: $200-350 fine

Keeping potentially hazardous foods at required temperatures in refrigeration units and hot holding equipment: $300-350 fine

Displaying payment and refund policies: $50-500 fine

Displaying prices for each item sold or service provided: $25-250 (products) or $50-500 (service)

Retail Businesses

Sweeping sidewalks and maintaining clean gutters: $100-300 fine

Regularly inspecting fire safety systems: $600-1,000 fine

Ensuring receipts are complete and correct: $50-500 fine

Displaying payment and refund policies: $50-500 fine

Displaying prices for each item sold or services provided: $25-250 fine (product) or $50-500 fine (service)

Personal Care Businesses

Sweeping sidewalks and maintaining clean gutters: $100-300 fine

Selling or displaying expired over-the-counter medications: $100-500 fine for each group of identical medications

Ensuring receipts are complete and correct: $50-500 fine

Displaying payment and refund policies: $50-500 fine

Displaying prices for each item sold or service provided: $25-250 fine (product) or $50-500 fine (services)

About Small Business First

Mayor Bill de Blasio has made small businesses a priority, including creating mandates that move government out of the way of small business owners. Launched in 2014, Small Business First is changing the way the City of New York interacts with small business owners and is reducing the burden of regulations on small businesses.

About the NYC 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.