VAX PASS FOR INDOOR ACCESS
In an effort to drive more vaccinations, Mayor de Blasio recently announced that proof of vaccination will now be required for indoor dining, indoor gyms, and indoor concerts and performances in New York City, making it the first U.S. city to mandate vaccination proof. This requirement also applies to workers at these places. The program, also known as the “Key to NYC Pass,” will be implemented on August 16 during a transition period before it will be fully enforced beginning the week of September 13. Stay tuned for more details, but in the meantime, business owners should be prepping their customers for this change.
MASK OFF, MASK ON (AGAIN AND STILL)
Although the City stopped short of an actual mandate for masks, face coverings are still required on public transit and in hospitals, schools, and congregate settings.
😷 Unvaccinated people MUST wear a mask in all public settings, indoors and outdoors.
😷 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in ALL indoor public settings and any time you do not know the vaccination status of those around you.
And every private business can set its own requirements for entry: you can use signage to inform your customers that they must wear a mask when patronizing your business. If you are in need of mask signage, please contact FAB FULTON.
NEW BOOZE RULES
While drinks-to-go became permanent in many other states, New York allowed the temporary measure to expire without acting to follow suit. However, last month, Governor Cuomo signed a bill that allows restaurants to continue using municipal spaces like sidewalks and streets for outdoor dining for another year as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Within the new law, bars and restaurants that wish to continue serving alcohol in sidewalk and roadway dining areas will not have to file a complicated application with the State Liquor Authority (SLA). According to officials from the governor’s office, restaurant usage of outdoor public space must meet all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and guidance, in accordance with the signed legislation. Restaurants must also have a temporary use permit from the municipality, which is tasked with ensuring the public space is used in a safe, orderly manner. New applicants will need to provide community notification in a manner consistent with the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. However, the new law does impose some filing obligations for those bars and restaurants currently serving alcohol on sidewalk and roadway seating under municipal permission; they must comply with this notification process outlined
here, by October 5.
BURGLARIES ON THE RISE — DON’T BE A TARGET
Our NYPD 88th precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) have kept us informed of a slight uptick in burglaries to FAB-area businesses this summer. Business owners, managers, and staff must all work together to secure your shops and stores, to prevent being victimized.
Remember to lock all doors and points of entry overnight. Arm your security cameras and equipment, if you have them installed. Remove the cash drawers from your point of sale systems, and leave empty drawers open to minimize damage. Be aware of people who appear to be “casing” your business during regular hours: asking about staff, closing, and opening times. One of our FAB businesses has staff who witnessed a man yank the wires from their security cameras! And do not hesitate to circulate photos of those who have attempted theft or engaged in suspicious behavior. Sharing that info with your business neighbors, FAB, and NYPD NCOs is extremely helpful and puts us all on alert to be more aware.
CELEBRATE THE ART AROUND CLINTON HILL!
We’re putting out the call again for merchant participants for our inaugural ART360 / CLINTON HILL date, Sat., Sept. 18! What businesses want their storefront windows or outdoor seating areas to be graced with artwork or illustrations by a local artist?
At no cost to you, as a host location, you’ll also get your business listed in the official event guide map and promotional materials, and social media mentions. For reference, you can check out
ART360FG Highlights on our Instagram feed.
We’re out to make the Clinton Hill version of this popular event just as great as the Fort Greene original; let’s show the neighborhood your artsy side! Last call: c
ontact us today to start planning your window art!
WHAT’S THE 311?
The summer is a hot time for complaints covering many areas: noise, trash, fireworks, and more. We know you often find it necessary to report activities and issues to the City.
Help us help you: keep FAB in the loop when you file a complaint with 311 or directly with any city agency. We can follow up on complaints with our contacts at respective agencies if we know the details. Share complaint case numbers with us by sending an email, calling our office, or sending a direct message on one of our social media platforms.
ABOUT FAB FULTON
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB FULTON) is a non-profit organization that advocates for and collaborates with small businesses and property owners along Fulton Street in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming community while securing resources and partnerships for initiatives that enhance and promote the district.
This post contains links to the articles and information referenced in our latest FAB BIZ BLAST email communication. You can subscribe to future newsletters; sign up here for the FAB FULTON BIZ BLAST to get the latest information and resources for FAB FULTON Businesses!
