Tips for Businesses

If you have a question about a DCWP violation or the laws that DCWP enforces, you can speak with DCWP’s Business Compliance Counsel (BCC). Call 311 for the Legal Compliance Helpline for Businesses or email BCC@dcwp.nyc.gov.

New York City is committed to providing New Yorkers with excellent customer service. Visit nyc.gov/bizrights to download the Business Owner's Bill of Rights in عربي (Arabic), বাংলা (Bengali), 中文 (Chinese), English, Español (Spanish), Français (French), Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole), Italiano (Italian), 한국어 (Korean), Polski (Polish), Русский (Russian), اردو (Urdu), and ייִדיש (Yiddish).

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers offer free financial counseling to help you manage your money well at home and keep your personal and business finances separate.

• Download flyer in English and Español (Spanish)
• Download information for taxi and limousine drivers in multiple languages
• Learn more about the Centers and book an appointment online

Download tips 

In the event of a security breach, DCWP licensees must promptly email DCWP a copy of the notification to affected persons required by NY General Business Law § 899-aa(2) or (3). Email DCWP at SecurityNotifications@dcwp.nyc.gov

SBS makes it easier for businesses in New York City to form, do business, and grow by providing direct assistance to business owners, fostering neighborhood development in commercial districts, and linking employers to a skilled and qualified workforce. Learn more.

The law prohibiting stores from leaving doors or windows open while air conditioning is running applies to all stores regardless of size. Chain stores—stores with five or more locations in New York City—must post a sign alerting people to contact 311 to report violations of the law on all exterior doors where people can see it.

• Download Business Education flyer about the Air Conditioning Law in English and Español (Spanish)
• Download the required sign for chain stores to post
• Read New York City Administrative Code § 20-910 (Local Law 92 of 2015)

Local Law 144 of 2021 regarding automated employment decision tools (“AEDT”) prohibits employers and employment agencies from using an automated employment decision tool unless the tool has been subject to a bias audit within one year of the use of the tool, information about the bias audit is publicly available, and certain notices have been provided to employees or job candidates. Learn more about AEDT.

Enhanced calorie labeling requirements for chain restaurants and new requirements for chain food retailers are now in effect in the city.

For calorie labeling guidance for chain food retailers, download FAQs in:

• English
• Español (Spanish)
• বাংলা (Bengali)
• 中文 - 简化字 (Chinese - Simplified)
• 中文 - 繁體字 (Chinese - Traditional)

For calorie labeling guidance for chain restaurants, visit the  Department of Health's webpage for Food service operators.

Beginning November 19, 2020, stores must accept cash unless they have a machine to convert cash to a prepaid card. They cannot charge more for paying in cash. Read Inspection Checklist: General Retail.

Businesses do not need a DCWP license/permit to sell coniferous trees during the month of December. However, you need permission from the owner of the premises and it must not obstruct the sidewalk.

§19–136(4) Obstructions
Storekeepers and peddlers may sell and display coniferous trees during the month of December and palm branches, myrtle branches, willow branches, and citron during the months of September and October on a sidewalk; but in any such case the permission of the owner of the premises fronting on such sidewalk shall be first obtained and a passageway shall be kept open on the sidewalk so obstructed for the free movement of pedestrians.

For more information about street obstructions, read Title 19 of the NYC Administrative Code, which is enforced by the Department of Transportation. New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, State, and City laws and rules, visit Laws page for more information.

In the event of a security breach, DCWP licensees must promptly email DCWP a copy of the notification to affected persons required by NY General Business Law § 899-aa(2) or (3). Email DCWP at SecurityNotifications@dcwp.nyc.gov

All battery-powered mobility devices and the lithium-ion batteries they use, that are sold, leased, or rented in New York City must be certified by an accredited testing laboratory. Read Inspection Checklist: Micromobility Devices and Batteries.

Learn more about the certifications and labels that businesses are required to post.

Movie theaters in New York City must provide open captions in some of their movie showings, pursuant to NYC Administrative Code section 20-699.7. This requirement starts May 15, 2022. Learn more at nyc.gov/captions

NYC law regulates online third-party food delivery services and third-party courier services in NYC ("restaurant delivery apps" or “apps") and provides pay and workplace protections for delivery workers.

• Read requirements for delivery apps.
• Does your restaurant use an app to take customer orders for delivery or pickup? Know your rights and responsibilities..

During a State of Emergency in the City of New York, it is illegal for businesses to charge excessive prices for goods or services that are essential to health, safety or welfare. Learn more about price gouging.

Before buying used catalytic converters, secondhand dealers must get certain information from the seller. Secondhand dealers must keep an electronic record of the information for six years. Learn more about the legal requirement when purchasing a second-hand catalytic converter.

Effective July 31, 2023, New York City food service establishments* providing take-out and delivery service must comply with these restrictions:

• Do not provide utensils, condiment packets, napkins, or extra containers to take-out or delivery customers, unless requested by the customer.
• Your online ordering and delivery apps must be set to a default of not providing these items. You must provide customers with the option to request these items only if you offer them.
• Delivery and courier services may not provide these items unless such items are requested by the customer.

*NOTE: These restrictions do not apply to self-serve stations inside a food service establishment.

These restrictions are effective July 31, 2023; there will be a warning period through June 30, 2024. Learn more at nyc.gov/SkipTheStuff.

DCWP conducts annual inspections of every heating oil delivery truck that operates out of New York City to ensure each truck’s meters accurately registers how much oil it is pumping so that businesses are not overcharged. Read tips to avoid being overcharged.