New York, NY - 9 Stores Fined for Leaving Doors of Air-Conditioned Store Open |
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News Source: NY Times blog
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New York, NY - Nine stores in Manhattan and the Bronx have been hit with $200 fines for leaving their doors open on hot days in the hope that the escaping cool air will lure sweaty customers. They are the first fined as part of a new law passed in 2008.
Last year, only warnings were given out. So far this year, the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs has inspected 105 stores. Seventy were in compliance, 26 were issued warnings and nine that had been warned last year were hit with fines, said Kay Sarlin, a spokeswoman for the department.
Fines start at $200, and go up to $400 for any further infractions in an 18-month period. The legislation states that any business larger than 4,000 square feet or part of a chain with five or more stores in the city must keep doors closed when using an air-conditioning system.
Ms. Sarlin said inspectors respond to complaints and keep an eye out for offenders throughout the summer. Last year, the department reported an 81 percent compliance rate, and amid heavy media coverage of the law, it seemed businesses were getting the message.
During the heat wave of recent days, however, plenty of stores seemed to be in violation, as City Room made its own inspection.
A digital thermometer read a refreshing 79 degrees 10 feet away from a Zara’s on 17th Street and Fifth Avenue, despite it being a muggy 97 degrees two blocks away. A street jewelry vendor named Jamaal stood near the doors, enjoying the breeze — “Whenever I need a break I stand near the door for some fresh air,” he said. “It’s always nice and cool.”
Jamaal was disappointed five minutes later when, after a brief conversation with Zara’s manager, who was unaware of the law, the doors were shut. “Guess it’s back to work for me,” Jamaal said.
Filene’s Basement and DSW at 4 Union Square had their doors wide open — and both, indeed, received fines. Ten feet from the doors, a small group stood around talking on cellphones, smoking cigarettes and killing time.
Malik Boyd, 28, one of them, stood in the cool 78 degrees near the doors while waiting for a group of friends. “I appreciate the arctic breeze, especially on days like these,” he said.
Mr. Boyd says he works in retail and understands the law and the argument for energy conservation, but ultimately doesn’t blame shop owners for doing what they do.
“The reason why the retail stores do it is to attract the tourists,” he said. “The people who live in the city know the ploy already. The stores do it to catch that tourist taking his one and only stroll down Fifth Avenue because he’ll be easy to lure with the breeze.”
He added, “It’s business; sometimes you got to do what you got to do.”
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Read Comments (22) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 08, 2010 at 09:30 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
200 won't hurt any of the huge stores ots probably the cheapest piece of advertisement
2
Jul 08, 2010 at 09:31 PM 4r Says:Report as Inappropriate
Why does the government object?
3
Jul 08, 2010 at 09:35 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Its about time they started enforcing this law. On a day when ConEd is barely able to keep the lights on, such obvious and deliberate efforts to waste energy are disgusting. Beginning this weekend, the DCA inspectors will begin issuing fines to stores in Brooklyn and Queens so hopefully many new violations and fines will be issued and the storekeepers will recognize the need to conserve energy.
4
Jul 08, 2010 at 09:45 PM absurd Says:Report as Inappropriate
If that's the case they should also make lighted billboards in Times Square illegal! Exactly the same logic.
5
Jul 08, 2010 at 10:39 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I think I have a solution. The stores should have two doors. The inner doors should be kept closed or automated to keep the cool air, and the outside door can be open to attract the tourist!
6
Jul 08, 2010 at 10:46 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ If that's the case they should also make lighted billboards in Times Square illegal! Exactly the same logic. ”
You are right but wrong politically. Bloomie picks his targets with laser aim. Huge business with billboards are not his preferred victims, selected victims are more likely small family owned businesses (note the program now extends to the outer boroughs without the warnings he gave to the big guys last year). He really loves to attack motorists, even better if he can take away parking for a thug biker lane.
7
Jul 08, 2010 at 11:03 PM nyc Says:Report as Inappropriate
the government should start listening to there own rules. during the winter in government offices the heat should not be on when the windows are open, as is the case waaaaaaaaaaaaay too often.
8
Jul 08, 2010 at 11:22 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
#3 why don't you move to red china? Or to the soviet union? If con ed can't keep up the electricity they should be fined. do you know that nyc residents pay the highest rate for con ed? The government should keep their dirty long hands out of such matters
9
Jul 08, 2010 at 11:28 PM Abba Says:Report as Inappropriate
Whats the point of leaving the door open.More hot weather will come in and make it worse.Plus some people might think that the store is actually not air conditioned since the door is open.
10
Jul 09, 2010 at 12:29 AM Man Made Climate Change is PURE APIKORSES!! Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Its about time they started enforcing this law. On a day when ConEd is barely able to keep the lights on, such obvious and deliberate efforts to waste energy are disgusting. Beginning this weekend, the DCA inspectors will begin issuing fines to stores in Brooklyn and Queens so hopefully many new violations and fines will be issued and the storekeepers will recognize the need to conserve energy. ”
There is a reason they are called CON Edison.... because they are a bunch of CON artists who CON everyone in NYC!!
11
Jul 09, 2010 at 07:26 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Whats the point of leaving the door open.More hot weather will come in and make it worse.Plus some people might think that the store is actually not air conditioned since the door is open. ”
Abba if you walk by you will feel the cool air conditioning and walk into the store to just cool off and the store hopes it will get a sale from you
12
Jul 09, 2010 at 08:50 AM FatFreeKishka Says:Report as Inappropriate
I feel like these store owners should be commended for doing their part in reducing global warming.
13
Jul 09, 2010 at 10:18 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Con Ed inflates prices in the summer and cuts electricity when the heat is the worst because they cannot keep up with the demand. Two idea--either when they cut electricity the prices should drop accordingly or use some of the money to update the system.
14
Jul 09, 2010 at 10:30 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Its about time they started enforcing this law. On a day when ConEd is barely able to keep the lights on, such obvious and deliberate efforts to waste energy are disgusting. Beginning this weekend, the DCA inspectors will begin issuing fines to stores in Brooklyn and Queens so hopefully many new violations and fines will be issued and the storekeepers will recognize the need to conserve energy. ”
No, what's disgusting is the government's intrusion into the daily operation of small businesses and the media's ability to propagandize people like you into forming idiotic beliefs about energy, the environment, animals' rights, etc. etc.
15
Jul 09, 2010 at 11:28 AM I hate to break it to you, but Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ You are right but wrong politically. Bloomie picks his targets with laser aim. Huge business with billboards are not his preferred victims, selected victims are more likely small family owned businesses (note the program now extends to the outer boroughs without the warnings he gave to the big guys last year). He really loves to attack motorists, even better if he can take away parking for a thug biker lane. ”
it isn't the Mayor who's passing these laws - it's the City Council. He may suggest the laws, but ultimately, it's their stamp of approval.
16
Jul 09, 2010 at 11:17 AM CR Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I feel like these store owners should be commended for doing their part in reducing global warming. ”
I recall a college thermodynamics quiz that asked this question; If a refrigerator is running with the door open in a heat sealed room does the room get warmer, cooler or not change temperature? The correct answer is warmer because the motor makes heat while the cooling "inside" the refrigerator gets offset by the heat being moved "outside". Most students got it wrong.
Leaving the doors open with the AC running does NOT reduce any global warming.
17
Jul 09, 2010 at 12:38 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Con Ed inflates prices in the summer and cuts electricity when the heat is the worst because they cannot keep up with the demand. Two idea--either when they cut electricity the prices should drop accordingly or use some of the money to update the system. ”
I guess you haven't read a newspaper in 10 years. ConEd has no control over electric prices. They sold their generation 10 years ago. They are purely a distribution company that owns the wires. They buy power in thw wholesale market and resell it at cost. They make their profits on the carrying charges on their rate base (which is the depreciated value of the wires and substations).
18
Jul 09, 2010 at 03:08 PM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ #3 why don't you move to red china? Or to the soviet union? If con ed can't keep up the electricity they should be fined. do you know that nyc residents pay the highest rate for con ed? The government should keep their dirty long hands out of such matters ”
I agree with you and #14. Here goes our freedom again. The government is going to tell us to conserve energy or else get fined, even though we pay for that energy? If Con Ed can't deliver then let those that can take over, and let the market decide. Why should we pay because Con Ed is incompetent?
This is another one of those stupid laws.
19
Jul 09, 2010 at 04:14 PM Shmuel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I recall a college thermodynamics quiz that asked this question; If a refrigerator is running with the door open in a heat sealed room does the room get warmer, cooler or not change temperature? The correct answer is warmer because the motor makes heat while the cooling "inside" the refrigerator gets offset by the heat being moved "outside". Most students got it wrong.
Leaving the doors open with the AC running does NOT reduce any global warming. ”
Perhaps, but our world hasn't warmed an iota in 15 years, so there is nothing to reduce in the first place.
20
Jul 10, 2010 at 10:38 PM oy vay Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I recall a college thermodynamics quiz that asked this question; If a refrigerator is running with the door open in a heat sealed room does the room get warmer, cooler or not change temperature? The correct answer is warmer because the motor makes heat while the cooling "inside" the refrigerator gets offset by the heat being moved "outside". Most students got it wrong.
Leaving the doors open with the AC running does NOT reduce any global warming. ”
cant take a joke ? nebach!!
21
Jul 11, 2010 at 03:46 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
when this comes before a judge he will deferentially trow this out, if the store is willing to pay high electric bills than its nobodies business.
22
Jul 14, 2010 at 02:36 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Why does the government object? ”
Because it's a strain on the electrical grid and could lead to a blackout. And it's an incredibly selfish unnecessary addition of carbon into the atmosphere.