NYC to Stores: Shut the Door When the AC’s On

NEW YORK (AP) —
An apartment building in Manhattan is dotted with air conditioners. (Thomas Hawk/Flickr)
An apartment building in Manhattan is dotted with air conditioners. (Thomas Hawk/Flickr)

New York City is urging businesses to keep the front doors closed when the air conditioning is on.

Consumer Affairs Commissioner Julie Menin says stores try to lure customers inside with cool air on a hot day. About 200 volunteers were educating proprietors Wednesday about the environmental and financial benefits of keeping doors shut.

There’s also a move to strengthen the existing law.

Some businesses already are required to close the door when the air conditioning is on. They include chain stores with five or more locations in New York City, and retail businesses that are 4,000 square feet or larger.

Proposed amendments will be introduced at a City Council meeting on Thursday. They would eliminate business size requirements and increase fines.

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