NEW ORDINANCE RESTRICTS YOUTH'S USE OF TANNING BEDS
On July 7, 2012, a new ordinance went into effect in Chicago prohibiting the use of tanning equipment by a minor (under 18 years of age), regardless of whether the minor has the permission of a parent or guardian. This ordinance applies to all tanning facilities that charge a fee and to health clubs that provide tanning equipment for use by their members. To learn more, click here for text from the new ordinance, sample signage to post at your tanning salon, and fine ranges for violations of this ordinance.
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Welcoming City Ordinance Would Open Doors to Immigrants
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on July 10th his intention to introduce a Welcoming City Ordinance that builds on efforts to make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in the country by incorporating basic protections for undocumented Chicagoans who have not been convicted of a serious crime and are not wanted on a criminal warrant.
"This Welcoming City ordinance will make Chicago a national leader in welcoming those who play by the rules, contribute to our economy and help make Chicago the incredible city that was envisioned by its first immigrant settlers," said Mayor Emanuel. "This will prevent law abiding Chicagoans from being unfairly detained and deported, and will ensure that Chicago is a welcoming, multicultural global city where people have access to services they need to contribute to our city."
The Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) regulates businesses that offer immigration services in the City of Chicago. Click here to see a list of Registered Immigration Service Providers. |
Credit Card Swipe Fee Settlement and What it Means for You
You likely do not think of the fees that merchants pay beneath the surface to credit card companies each time you swipe and sign for a purchase using your MasterCard or Visa because they're not charged to you. Generally card fees raise consumer prices overall. The pain is typically spread evenly across the entire purchasing population no matter how they pay. Presently, a settlement between several major credit card companies and millions of retailers nationwide would allow businesses to pass along those swipe fees to you. Still to be determined is the exact effect it will have on the consumer at large, but if the fee ends up being passed on, expect to see a few extra dollars added to your purchase just for the luxury of using plastic. The change would not apply to the use of debit cards. To learn more about this evolving story, click here for NPR's coverage of the issue. |
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Steer Clear of Scams During Your Vacation
You want to relax and kick back when enjoying the sights and sounds of a vacation. Sadly, time away from home is the prime time for mean scammers. Here is a list of popular travel tips to avoid scams while you're recharging your batteries away from home:
- Always Pay Attention: A thief will attempt to distract you when you least expect it. Always ensure that your bags are closed tightly and easily in sight. Be alert when a stranger approaches you with a question, and always take note of your belongings when in a populated place or riding public transport.
- Hire a licensed taxi driver: Hire a taxi driver that has a working meter, or one that agrees on a fee before heading to your destination. Be familiar with the city's layout to know when you're being taken the longer route to your destination.
- Never leave anything valuable in your car: Always hide anything of value beneath the passenger seat or back seat. You'd be surprised how many thieves can spot a rental car and get a good look inside.
- Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you initiate the call. Period. Thieves posing as travel agents may offer you a bargain you can't resist.
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In This Issue
New Tanning Bed Ordinance
Welcoming City Ordinance
Credit Card Swipe Fee Settlement
Steer Clear of Vacation Scams
Electronic Game Ratings
Library Hours Extended
FTC Warns About Calling Card Scam
BACP & DHED Team Up On Social Media
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| Did You Know |
WHAT'S YOUR CHILD'S VIDEO GAME RATED?
With kids out of school for the summer, they have more free time to play video games whether it be on TV, the computer, or on their phones. OnGuardOnline.gov is a tool for parents to help navigate the complex web of game ratings. OnGuardOnline.gov will help facilitate a conversation between you and your child regarding what games and apps they're playing, who it's okay to play games with online, and more!
Library Hours Extended
Chicago Public Library branches are extending their Monday schedules to offer full-day services after children return to school this fall. The additional hours will also allow children's librarians to do outreach to schools and host school visits on Monday mornings. Click here to read more about the benefits of the extended hours, and the financial plan offered by Mayor Emanuel to pay for the extra hours .
FTC Warns About Calling Card Scam
Calling cards "Vietnam Best" and "Pears of Africa" are among calling cards sold in convenience stores and groceries nationwide that, after testing by the FTC, the card provided just 40 percent of the minutes advertised. The company, DR Phone, misrepresented the talk time people would be provided with and did not adequately disclose additional fees. To find out more about alleged prepaid calling card schemes, read When Minutes Matter.
BACP and DHED Team up on Social Media
In efforts to offer up-to-the-minute business and consumer resources, news and alerts, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the Department of Housing and Economic Development (DHED) have a Twitter and Facebook presence. Follow us on Twitter @ChiSmallBiz, and on Facebook 'like' us atFacebook.com/ChiSmallBiz.
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