An Indian-American newsstand vendor, Sadik Topia, operating in Manhattan, New York, is confronted with the looming threat of permanent closure for his business due to accumulated fines totaling $92,000 imposed by city authorities. Originating from Gujarat, Topia has been an esteemed member of the Upper West Side community for 23 years, running his newsstand as a vital fixture in the neighborhood's landscape.
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection initiated enforcement actions against Topia, leading to the closure of his newsstand after he failed to address the outstanding fines. Among the charges levied against him, a significant portion of the penalty, amounting to $58,400, stems from the sale of e-cigarette products with an expired license. An inspector noted this violation, resulting in a daily fine of $100 for 584 days since the license expiration on December 1, 2021.
In addition to the e-cigarette violations, Topia also faces a $34,000 penalty for alleged infractions such as improper shelving in his kiosk and selling a phone charger above the city's stipulated price limit for newsstands.
Despite the closure of his newsstand, Topia persists in selling newspapers by hand in the vicinity, garnering support from his loyal clientele and stirring frustration among locals over the city's stringent enforcement measures.
City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Councilwoman Gale Brewer, have taken note of Topia's plight, with Mayor Adams promising to explore avenues to mitigate the fines and facilitate the reopening of his newsstand. Councilwoman Brewer has intervened on his behalf, advocating for a reduction in the penalties imposed, citing discrepancies in the city's enforcement approach.
In response to the community's outcry and in a bid to aid Topia, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to raise funds toward covering the hefty fine amount and reviving his newsstand. The campaign has garnered significant traction, with donations pouring in to support Topia's cause.
Amidst the unfolding saga, Michael Lanza, a spokesperson for the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, reiterated the city's commitment to upholding regulations aimed at safeguarding public health. He emphasized the seriousness with which tobacco-related complaints are addressed, underscoring the city's stance on enforcing regulatory standards.
