Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr., a member of the City Council’s Health Committee, has voiced his support for City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s efforts to streamline the appeals process and reduce fines for restaurants for non-health violations. Vallone will also be signing on as a sponsor of the legislation.

“Astoria features some of the best restaurants and outdoor cafes in all of New York City, but they are fighting for their lives with high property taxes and competition from street vendors, let alone these frivolous and bloated fines that can go as high as $2,000,” said Vallone. “Heavy fines for violations which have nothing to do with health concerns, like slightly broken tiles or three drops of water on the floor, can shut down a healthy business.”