A New York City hospitality owner should always remain compliant with both state and city regulations, otherwise he or she will be subject to hefty fines and penalties. In New York City, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are the most likely to be subject to noise, food, or health code violations by agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Buildings, FDNY, NYPD, NYS Liquor Authority, or even the Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Agency (ATF).
Here are a few tips that an owner can use in order to mitigate the risk of receiving a violation:
- Pre-Inspection
- Through the city, a licensed inspector will conduct an evaluation to point out any insufficiencies.
- Health Codes/ Fireproofing
- Stay up to date and review the rules regarding basic items such as fire extinguishers. Make sure these items are properly placed and registered. Make sure all materials, such as linens or curtains are fireproof. Obtain an affidavit or other proof from the company from which they were purchased.
- Security
- Make sure all security personnel are licensed.
- Safety
- Make sure emergency signs and exit lighting are visible and operating correctly by conducting a daily walk through. In addition, make sure there are no deadbolts on the doors.
- Records
- W-4 and I-9 records must be kept on site. All records and invoices for liquor orders, must also be kept on site.
While New York City is known for its world-class food and nightlife, there is an immense amount of regulatory and compliance requirements involved in operating a successful business. To avoid decreasing profits due to compliance oversights, it is best to speak to an experienced New York business lawyer who can review your compliance requirements and provide sound legal advice.
The laws and regulatory guidelines surrounding New York’s business law practices are complex and can be difficult to navigate. For this reason, many business owners and managers experience time-consuming stress when trying to adjust their practices to align with new regulations. When seeking guidance on how to navigate local, state and federal laws, it is important that business owners and managers consult an experienced business law attorney. The New York business law attorneys at Blodnick Fazio & Associates P.C. are experienced in handling various business law matters and commercial transactions. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our New York business lawyers at (516) 280-7105 or fill out our contact form.
