Hours after NBC 4 New York’s I-Team exposed the outrageous prices a hot dog vendor near ground zero was charging, the city is investigating. Melissa Russo has this follow-up.
UPDATE: NYC "Rip-Off" Hot Dog Vendor Fired After I-Team Report Exposes Outrageous Pricing
A hot dog vendor is feeling the heat after an NBC 4 New York I-Team report exposed him for selling outrageously overpriced food to visitors near ground zero.
The vendor, Ahmed Mohammed, was back on the job Wednesday, hours after the I-Team report aired Tuesday night showed him charging up to $30 for a hot dog. This time, he was surrounded by a crowd of reporters and cameras who picked up on the I-Team report -- and the prices were a whole lot cheaper now that city officials said Mohammed is under investigation.
"It's not legal if he's not posting prices," said Julie Menin of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Still, Mohammed claimed he didn't understand why media were descending on his stand.
"What happened?" he questioned.
City Council sources said it's not truly illegal to not post prices on a food stand -- just a violation of Department of Consumer Affairs regulations. Police issued Mohammed summonses for failing to list his prices and for two Environmental Control Board violations.
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Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz said she's introduced a bill to make it a law, which would come with stiffer punishments, like a revocation of license.
"As I was watching it, I was outraged," she said of NBC 4 New York's report. "First with his attitude, and with the gall."
"Nothing's being done," she said regarding inspections or violations enforcement against vendors who take advantage of tourists. She said her bill would legally require all food vendors post their prices.
Later in the afternoon, Mohammed put the I-Team on the phone with his boss, who owns the cart. The owner, who identified himself only as Abdul, said Mohammed is new at the job, and they'll post the prices soon -- including one stating a $2.50 price for a hot dog.
