I haven't heard any rumors to that effect. I've talked to small business owners who have gotten fined for various infractions in NYC, just casually, and my impr

I haven't heard any rumors to that effect. I've talked to small business owners who have gotten fined for various infractions in NYC, just casually, and my impression is that it's just bureaucracy in action--lots of rules, randomly enforced by people who individually interpret them one way or another. For example, a store selling used equipment was fined for not individually labeling the equipment as used. All equipment in the store is used, it's all outdated stuff, and it's completely obvious. But one day someone from the city shows up and levies a fine. So now this scuffed, obsolete gear from the 1990s has a "used" sticker on it.