Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2007

BY TONIA SHAKESPEARE

On Mar. 14, Mayor Michael Bloomberg accepted four proposed bills by New York City Council members. The new legislation requires compliance by New York City nightclubs and dance halls owners in improving safety and security measures for their patrons. To thwart predatory practices, more transparency in the dissemination of information to consumers will be required by tax preparers.

•  Bill number 442-A: Requires the installation of digital video surveillance cameras at all entrances and exits of nightclubs and public dance halls. These establishments would also be required to record the activity outside of the entrance or exit during all hours of operation and for two hours after closing. In addition, videos must be stored in a locked and secure location and kept for 30 days for evidence in police investigations. The Department of Consumer Affairs may suspend or revoke a cabaret license for failure to comply with these new requirements.
  
• Bill number 440-A: As a condition of license renewal, or instead of a suspension or revocation of a license, a nightclub or public dance hall may retain an independent monitor approved or selected by the police department, which would review activities of the establishment and recommend steps to ensure compliance with the law—including the use of identification scanners. The monitor is required to report its findings to the police department and the Department of Consumer Affairs.
  
• Bill number 81-A: Tax preparers must provide consumers with a free copy of “Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers” prior to any discussions. The term “refund anticipation loan” must be clearly explained and explicitly identified as “loans.” Upon request, a consumer must also receive in writing — a list of the tax preparer’s offered refund and tax preparation services, estimated cost of services, interest rate estimation for refund application loan, and estimated waiting time for tax refund.