The Albany County legislature has adopted Local Law No. "2" of 2002  to provide a mechanism to inform consumers of the prices charged by dry cleaners, tailors, shoe repairers, barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologists, particularly any differences in the cost of services to men and women.

Local Law No. "2" for 2002

A local law of the county of Albany requiring dry cleaners, tailors, shoe repairers, barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists to post prices for their services.

By Messrs. Domalewicz and McCoy:

Be it enacted by the legislature of the county of Albany as follows:

Section 1. Title

This Law shall be known at the "Albany County Price Posting Law."

Section 2. Legislative Intent

The purpose of this Local Law is to provide a mechanism to inform consumers of the prices charged by dry cleaners, tailors, shoe repairers, barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologists in Albany County, particularly any differences in the cost of services to men and women. This purpose is served by requiring these businesses to post a clear and conspicuous list of prices for the various services they offer. This form of disclosure preserves the right of businesses to base prices on their costs while at the same time ensures that consumers are knowledgeable and informed.

Section 3. Price Posting by Dry Cleaners, Tailors and Shoe Repairers

Every owner, operator or person engaged in dry cleaning, tailoring, shoe repair or similar services who cleans, presses, alters, repairs or dyes articles belonging to a consumer shall post a clear and conspicuous sign in plain view to all customers and potential customers which shall state the prices the customer is to be charged for all services offered by such owner, operator or person.

Section 4. Price Posting by Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists

Any person who is directly or indirectly engaged in the practice of barbering, hairdressing or cosmetology as defined in the General Business law, or who holds himself or herself out to the public as being able to do so, shall post a clear and conspicuous sign, in plain view to all customers and potential customers, which shall state the price to be charged for each and every service offered. Where more than one person practices in a single facility and where such persons charge the same price for each and every service provided, a single posting shall satisfy the requirements of this section. However, where persons practicing within a single facility do not charge the same price for each and every service offered, each practitioner shall post a sign in accordance with this section.

Section 5. Penalties and Enforcement

Any person who violates the provisions of Sections 3, 4 and 5 shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars for the first violation and not to exceed three hundred dollars for each subsequent violation. The provisions of this Local Law and any regulation or regulations promulgated hereunder shall be enforced by the Albany County Department of Consumer Affairs.

Section 6. Duties of the Department of Consumer Affairs

The Albany County Department of Consumer Affairs shall establish procedures and regulations for the orderly administration of this Local Law. The Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs shall refer cases of unpaid penalties to the Albany County Attorney for appropriate legal action.

Section 7. Severability

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance, shall be adjusted by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or in its application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered.

Section 8. Effective Date

This law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
Local Law was adopted. 6/10/02