Image Credit: SBS

The consultation focuses on state guidelines, outdoor seating, accessibility and personal protective equipment. On July 16, 2020, NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced the expansion of free virtual consultation services for small businesses in order to help them open up properly under the Open Restaurants guidelines and avoid fines and penalties.

Each hour-long consultation focuses on New York State guidelines, personal protective equipment, outdoor seating, and accessibility. A Small Business Service employee will virtually survey the restaurant and make the business owner aware of any potential non-compliance issues. Fines will not be issued for violations during the visit but the consultation will not exempt a business from future inspection and enforcement processes of City, State, or Federal agencies.

In order to participate in a consultation, business owners will need a communication device with a microphone, camera and access to Wi-Fi or cellular service. Businesses can fill out the online application or call 888-SBS-4NYC to schedule a compliance consultation.

Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services stated, “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. 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.”

By: Victoria Agosta (Victoria is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)