Print

Tips for Businesses

Jump to section for:

Business Compliance Counsel
Business Owner's Bill of Rights
10 Things Every Business Should Know
Air Conditioning Law
Calorie Labeling Rules
Coniferous Tree Season
Financial Counseling
Heating Oil Delivery Trucks
Identity Theft Prevention: Tips for Businesses | Security Breaches
Movie Theaters
NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
Online Third-Party Food Delivery Services Industry
Price Gouging
Prohibition of Cashless Establishments
Secondhand Catalytic Converters



Business Compliance Counsel

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.


back to top of page

Business Owner's Bill of Rights

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 English, Español (Spanish), বাংলা (Bengali), 中文 (Chinese), Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole), 한국어 (Korean), and Русский (Russian).


back to top of page

10 Things Every Business Should Know

DCA created a flyer that includes important tips that every business selling goods and services should know to avoid violations. Read 10 Things Every Business Should Know, available in English, Español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole), 한국어 (Korean), and Русский (Russian).


back to top of page

Air Conditioning Law

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.


back to top of page

Calorie Labeling Rules

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:

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


back to top of page

Coniferous Tree Season

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.


back to top of page

Financial Counseling

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.


back to top of page

Heating Oil Delivery Trucks

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.


back to top of page

Identity Theft Prevention: Tips for Businesses | Security Breaches

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


back to top of page

Movie Theaters

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


back to top of page

NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)

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.


back to top of page

Online Third-Party Food Delivery Services Industry

New City laws require many food delivery apps to have a license and establish requirements that apps must follow concerning consumers, delivery workers, and restaurants. Learn more at nyc.gov/DeliveryApps.


back to top of page

Price Gouging

Price Gouging is ILLEGAL for ANY Item or Service Needed to Limit the Spread of COVID-19. Your business cannot excessively increase the price you charge customers for any personal or household good or any service that is needed to prevent or limit the spread of or treat the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Learn more about price gouging.


back to top of page

Prohibition of Cashless Establishments

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.


back to top of page

Secondhand Catalytic Converters

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.


back to top of page