Requires certain business signs to be posted in English

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends subdivisions f through i of section 19-124 of the administrative code of the city of New York by re-lettering the subdivisions as g through j and adding a new subdivision f that requires commercial establishments which erect or maintain a canopy to display the firm name or duly filed trade name and the address of the premises. When such information is provided in a foreign language it must also be provided in English and all languages used must be represented in equivalent size and proportion.

Section 2 of the bill amends section 131 of the general business law, as amended by chapter 496 of the laws of 1973, by creating a new subdivision 1 and by repealing the exceptions to this section for leased premises, by amending the penalties for failure to comply from a misdemeanor to a violation with specifically graduated fines and by adding a new subdivision 2 that requires in cities of a million or more, any permitted sign containing information imprinted or displayed in a language other than English shall also contain the same information in equivalent size and proportion in English.

Section 4 of the bill provides for this act to take effect immediately and shall apply to each canopy or sign erected or replaced on or after such date.

Justification

The cultural diversity embodied by the city of New York is one of the many characteristics that make it one of the greatest cities in the world.

Over the past several decades, various neighborhoods throughout the city have become cultural and commercial hubs for numerous non-English speaking populations. As a result, a large proportion of the commercial signage seen in these areas has been created in languages other than English. While the success of these commercial hubs is welcome and appreciated, there are certain safety and community relations concerns that have arisen as an unexpected result.

In terms of safety issues, signs which are not printed in English present difficulties for fire, police or other emergency service providers in locating and responding to emergencies at such an address. Minutes are crucial in responding to any type of emergency and delays associated with trying to locate the site of an emergency are a dangerous and unnecessary hazard which is likely to be caused by an inability to read a commercial sign indicating the location of a particular business. In addition, it is also crucial for first responders to know the nature of a particular business in terms of potential hazardous chemicals or products which may be stored at such locations, e.g. chemical manufacturers, hardware/paint stores, dry cleaning establishments, chemical manufacturers, medical clinics, etc.

Community relations are also affected by signs printed solely in languages other than English. This English language requirement would serve to promote greater understanding amongst residents and patronage of establishments by all members of a community irrespective of a person's national heritage. Whereas, signs printed solely in the language of a majority of residents in one particular neighborhood serves only to isolate and intimidate other members of that community who do not speak the language of the majority.

Prior legislative history

2011-12: S.5911-B

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to each canopy or sign erected or replaced on or after such date.