As part of his efforts to make operating a small business in New York City a little fairer and less frustrating, Councilman David G. Greenfield is urging his constituents to utilize the city Department of Consumer Affairs’ brand new “Good for Customers, Great for Business” initiative. This campaign is intended to make it as easy as possible for local businesses to know and understand the exact rules and regulations they must follow to keep the public safe and avoid the onerous fines that make doing business in New York City so difficult, expensive and frustrating for many business owners.

“I have heard from so many frustrated small business owners about just how difficult it is to earn an honest living in New York City these days without being subjected to crippling fines, which in many cases are unfairly and arbitrarily issued by inspectors. That’s why I have fought so hard on behalf of small business owners since taking office, and why I am pleased that the city is taking steps to make life a little fairer for these hard-working New Yorkers. I urge everyone who runs a local business to take advantage of these resources to avoid unnecessary fines,” said Councilman Greenfield.

The “Good for Customers, Great for Business” initiative includes an online feature called Live Chat, which allows businesses to exclusively ask questions and get immediate answers from Department of Consumer Affairs representatives during business hours, without having to take time away from their business to visit DCA’s Licensing Center or to conduct a lengthy phone conversation. In addition, for the first time, the exact checklists that DCA inspectors use to inspect businesses are now available to the public for nearly 30 different industries. These inspection checklists let businesses know exactly what city inspectors are looking for when they visit a business. The checklists are available online at DCA’s expanded Business Toolbox, nyc.gov/BusinessToolbox, along with all of the signs, forms and other information businesses need to comply with all laws and regulations governing their industry.

“The biggest complaint I have heard from small business owners is the arbitrary and ever-changing nature of the inspection process. If everyone knows exactly what the rules and requirements are, the system will work better for everyone involved, including the customer,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

Since his election in 2010, Councilman Greenfield has worked closely with small business owners to improve the business climate throughout his district neighborhoods of Borough Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst, which is home to many small and locally-owned businesses. This includes initiatives such as meeting with restaurant owners to hear their complaints about the inspection process and then bringing their concerns to the entire City Council. Councilman Greenfield urges all district businesses to contact his office at (718) 853-2704 with any issues or problems they are experiencing, and to utilize the DCA’s new Business Toolbox program to learn more about the exact inspection process governing their specific industry.

(YWN Desk – NYC)