New Law Says NYC Stores Must Keep Doors Closed When AC Is On
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A new law requires New York City stores and restaurants to keep their front doors closed when their air conditioning is on.
The bill, which Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law on Wednesday, goes into effect next summer. The mayor hopes the new legislation will significantly impact the city's power grid and reduce carbon emissions.
"That's taking up a lot of energy, that's wasting a lot of energy, that's having its own impact on global warming," he said. "So we need to start thinking smarter and being a little more careful about how we use energy and this bill is a great common sense measure."
Violators face fines of $250 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for an egregious violation. Outdoor cafes, restaurants with outdoor space and counter-type stores are excluded.
The requirement expands a law passed by the City Council that restricted "the co-mingling of indoor and outdoor air'' in large chain stores only.
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