Eric Adams issues EO that will reduce fines to help NYC small businesses

Aside from crimes, looks like New York City mayor Eric Adams is also focused on helping small businesses in the Big Apple to get back on their feet in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, Adams signed an executive order mandating city agencies scale back their regulations to “reduce needless fines and penalties” and also “slash red tape.”

“It will bring relief to our hard-working entrepreneurs,” Adams said.

Adams EO will amend Local Law 80, enacted in July, which relaxed certain city codes and regulations.

The agencies tasked to implement the EO are the Department of Sanitation, Department of Buildings, Department of Health and Hygiene, the FDNY, and the Department of Consumer Protection.

The Democratic mayor earlier said the agencies mentioned above usually perform “important functions” but have been insufficiently “business-friendly.”

“We will require all of their agencies to promptly review business regulations, with the goal of encouraging compliance, reducing fine schedules, and allowing for cure periods or warning for first-time violations,” Adams added.

Based on his new EO, the agencies will be required to in 90 days identify 25 violations that prompt the most summonses and fines to businesses and adjust them accordingly.

“If you just open a business, you make a mistake, you should not be hit with a fine that’s going to prevent you from keeping your doors open,” he said.

“We’re not going to use the system to fine you to put money in our coffers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine lauded Adams’ order.

“What these businesses like this need is for the city to be a partner, not an obstacle,” Levine said.

“When it comes to inspection and health and safety, etc. it’s got to just be about protecting the health of the public, not about generating revenue for the city, and that is the spirit that you’re here to endorse today, and we’re grateful for that, so that our city will be a partner for these small businesses not a burden,” Levine added.