Hong Kong Supermarket in Chinatown Faces Nearly $70K in Fines for Repeat Price Gouging

Posted on: April 10th, 2020 at 5:00 am by

Three stores are facing prosecution from the city for alleged repeat price gouging during the COVID-19 outbreak, with violations totaling $101,500.

Hong Kong Supermarket on Hester Street was cited for 139 violations of price gouging face masks, gloves, disinfect wipes and hand sanitizer. We reported on this escalated costs last month, and the story spread throughout the community.

For its transgressions, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is seeking up to $69,500 in fines.

Also on the proverbial hot seat are Burns Pharmacy is Forest Hills (24 violations for $12,000 in fines) and Thomas Drugs on Columbus Avenue (40 violations for $20,000 in fines).

“Taking advantage of New Yorkers in a crisis is unacceptable,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a public statement. “Don’t even think about price gouging in our city. We won’t stand for it, and we will hold you fully accountable.”

Price gouging is defined by the city agency as overcharging more than 10-percent for “any personal or household good or service that is needed to prevent or limit the spread of or treat COVID-19.” Consumers can report complaints to 311, which has already collected over 7,200 related complaints to date.

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