NYC cracks down on gender-specific pricing - New York News | NYC Breaking News

NYC cracks down on gender-specific pricing

Posted: Updated:
MYFOXNY.COM -

Have you ever wondered why men should shell out more money for a waxing than women?

It's something that concerns the New York City government.  It considers it discrimination and it's cracking down on price variations based on sex.

A rule went onto the books in 1998.  The intention was to prevent discrimination, but many business owners are getting caught in what they consider to be an unfair trap.

The city conducted a recent sweep targeting spas and salons that charge different prices for men and women to receive services like waxing and pedicures.  138 businesses have received violation notices this year.

One Upper East Side spa was given a $200 ticket because they priced waxes a few dollars more for men then women.

The code inspector wrote out a very detailed violation notice for Vanilla Hair Spa detailing the different prices for waxing various parts of the body.

The spa manager says the price difference was because it is more difficult to wax a man.  It takes more wax and more time.

The head of the city's Department of Consumer Affairs called it a civil rights issue in an interview with Fox 5 News.

Jonathan Mintz says, "You can't charge people because of who they are."

As for the Vanilla Hair Spa, it now complies with a city code it had no idea existed before the violation and fine.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 5:40 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:40:39 GMT
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
    The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
    The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices