NEW MONTH, NEW LAWS
No matter the time of year, a new month most often brings the official start of new City rules and regulations. Make sure you share these initiatives with your staff and crew to be sure you are compliant with City regulations.
Effective July 31, the “Skip the Stuff“ legislation restricts food establishments and restaurants from providing utensils, condiments, napkins, and containers unless customers request them. The bill, signed into law earlier this year, claims that more than 100 million plastic utensils are discarded in the U.S. each day, and the nation spends $40 billion on plastic utensils each year,
The warning period runs through June 30, 2024. After that date, enforcement will begin; those not following the restrictions may receive a Notice of Violation. Fines for each Notice of Violation issued within a 12-month period are $50 (1st Offense), $150 (2nd Offense), and $250 (3rd and Subsequent Offenses). Businesses should be prepared for visits from inspectors, at least annually as part of routine inspections or 311 investigations, from one or more of the following agencies: DSNY (Department of Sanitation) and DCWP (Department of Consumer and Worker Protection).
Another law going into effect soon relates to container rules for trash: if you run a food-related business like a restaurant, grocery store, or bodega, new rules starting August 1 require you to use a lidded bin for your trash and food waste to help keep our streets clean. Containers should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible. If space is not available, bins can be stored within three (3) feet of the building line when not set out for collection. Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path for pedestrian travel on the sidewalk. Enforcement begins September 1. DSNY hosts free training for businesses to prepare and get compliant! Get details and sign up for August sessions here.
CALL TO ACTION FOR OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS
Any New Yorker who loves dining alfresco can help support local restaurants. Click here to easily contact City Council Members using this template from the NYC Hospitality Alliance, to tell them to make the upgraded outdoor dining permanent. If the City Council does not vote and pass this bill, ALL outdoor dining (sidewalk cafes & streeteries) is at risk of total elimination very soon AND any future prospect of outdoor dining will be in question. Send an email to your Council Member today!
THE NEW NY FORWARD LOAN FUND – APPLY NOW!
The New York Forward Loan Fund 2 is a mission-driven, relationship-based program that’s accessible anywhere in the state through a virtual platform. It empowers small businesses and nonprofits toward success, connecting them with working capital loans and business support services and guidance to help them grow. Access loans of up to $150,000 with competitive terms: no prepayment penalties, no origination fees, and fixed interest rates for the life of the loan.
Pre-apply here!
COME MEET NYC AGENCY REPS
We’re working on another edition of Decoding the City, a town hall-style event at Greenlight Bookstore in Fort Greene designed for Q&A between the community and the agencies that serve us. On Tue., September 12 from 7-8:30 pm we will present an informative panel; you bring the concerns and issues. While the event is for everyone, business owners might find it especially helpful, as agencies explain and address new rules and regulations.
Stay tuned for more as we confirm the panelists and save the date!
E-BIKE SAFETY RESOURCES
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased dramatically in New York City with deadly consequences – and education is the key to prevention. Food service establishments charging e-bikes on premises should post a visible flyer near charging areas; you can download one here, available in English and Spanish. And the FDNY has safety tips and information available online here.
INCOMING: WELCOME PACKETS
FAB is proud to announce our new “Welcome Packets,” which we will provide to all new businesses that open in the corridor. Not only are the packets full of valuable resources from agencies such as the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Health, and more, but the packet folders are also a convenient place to file flyers, tipsheets, and newsletters distributed by us.
The packets were made possible by a grant from NYC SBS; look for yours, coming soon!
TRAIN TO SAVE A LIFE
Attend a free Narcan training event at Basquiat’s Bottle (1198 Fulton) on Wed. August 16, 4:30 – 6 pm to focus on providing lifesaving skills to fight opioid overdoses. Organized by Council Member Chi Ossé, Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forest Brooklyn Community Recovery, Myrtle Avenue BID, and FAB Fulton. RSVP here.
And if you can’t attend, contact us to arrange training for your staff at a later date!
WE’RE NOW ON TIK TOK!
We just joined all the fun on Tik Tok and posted a few videos of our own! You can look for our handle, 4fabfulton, or click here. Please check us out, like our videos, and follow us, so we can follow you back! (And if you’re interested in leveling up your social media game, check out this FREE Brooklyn Public Library workshop on August 10, all about utilizing Instagram for Small Business; learn more and RSVP here.)
ADVERTISE FOR FREE ON LINKNYC KIOSKS
Did you know that August is National Black Business Month? Celebrate it with the LinkLocal program! For the month of August, Black-owned small businesses will be able to advertise their business information for free on four (4) LinkNYC kiosks. Fr more information and to submit your request to LinkNYC, go here.
ANNUAL MEETING REMINDER
It seems like a long way off, but it will be here before you know it. Please save the date for the FAB Fulton Annual Meeting, set for Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 11:00 am. It will be an in-person event at Brooklyn Music School (126 St. Felix St). Registration details are coming soon; stay tuned.
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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!
