Happy day.
Photo: NYC DOHMH
Good news: The City Council has finally signed off on Christine Quinn’s legislation, an agreement with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene that will reduce fines and streamline the restaurant-inspection process. One important change is that restaurant owners can now opt for dry-run inspections, allowing them to be proactive and fix problems before receiving fines or grades. The legislation also calls for the creation of an ombuds office: Restauranteurs can read the Health Department’s brand-new inspection code of conduct online and call a hotline if they have any questions. Plus, the city’s reducing 60 percent of all violations to the minimum $200 fine. Progress! [Crain’s, Earlier, CBS]
