City merchants could soon get the message that protects them from frivolous fines.
Councilman Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan) introduced legislation last week that would require the city to send businesses texts or e-mails alerting them to complaints filed against them.
The Health Department and other city agencies would also send e-mails, texts and voice messages to merchants when rules change.
Both proposals are intended to help business owners fix problems before they’re fined.
The city sucked in $820 million in fines from small businesses last year, compared to $485 million a decade ago.
“We’ve been turned into slot machines for the city,” said Felice Kirby, owner of Teddy’s Bar & Grill in Williamsburg. “Instead, they should be teaching us and encouraging us to maintain safe and healthful conditions. “We want to set up this service, and we’ll do what we can to collaborate with the city on it.”
Departments including Health, Buildings and Consumer Affairs would send merchants e-mails and texts on proposed amendments to city code, public hearings and final rulings.
Merchants would also be alerted to complaints from the 311 city information line within 72 hours.
The texts and e-mails would describe the time, date and nature of the complaints but keep accusers anonymous.
Garodnick said the online system would come at no cost to business owners.
“We want to make sure restaurants aren’t unnecessarily dragged down by city rules,” Garodnick told The Post. “Every effort should be made to give restaurants and bars the opportunity to comply. There should be no surprises.”