For all employees hired on or after October 26, 2009, the New York State Department of Labor requires employers to notify the employee, in writing, of their pay day and pay rate. The new law states that the notice:
1. Must be in writing in compliance with New York Labor Law Section 195.1.
2. Must include the regular rate of pay, overtime rate and regular payday.
3. Must be provided on a form available from the NYS Department of Labor. Get the form here:  www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/laborstandards/PDFs/LS_52_Hourly_Rate_Plus_Overtime.pdf
4. Must be given to new employees before they do any work.
5. Employer must receive a written acknowledgment that the employee has received the notice.
For more info, see the NYS Department of Labor circular at: www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/laborstandards/PDFs/P705_E.pdf

The New York City Mayor’s Office published a terrific guide that should be read by all indiviudals that own, or plan to own, a restaurant in NYC.   Its a terrific resource for the basics of NY restaurant ownership.  Here’s the link to the guide:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/2737nycrestaurantguide-81606.pdf

Every year restaurant and bar owners are subjected to harsh fines, both monetary and criminal, as result of failing to post various signs as required by New York State and City laws.

GENERAL RULE: Although the requirements are constantly changing, the following is a list of signs that must be displayed in customer view: Equipment Use Permit; Occupancy Sign (in establishments holding more than 75 people); Sidewalk Café License (indicating number of tables and chairs); Local law 12: Taskforce/ Resuscitation Equipment; Sign Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes to Minors (if cigarettes are sold on the premises); Cigarette Retail License (if cigarettes are sold on premises); Operating Permit; Choking First Aid Sign; CPR Sign: Permit to Manufacture Frozen Desserts; Sign Indicating Availability of Most Recent Inspection Report; Alcohol and Pregnancy Warning; Alcohol and Beverage Control Law; Sales Tax Certificate; Signs Designating “Smoking” and “Non-Smoking” Areas; Exit Signs (required over each exit) or Exit Directional Signs (if exit is not in clear sight); Waste Carter and Times of Refuse Removal; and Nutritional Information Pertaining to Certain Items Termed “Diet” , “Light”, or Similarly Modified Foods.

The penalties for not posting these required signs range from minor monetary fines to seizure of assets and forced business closures.