Photo by Tony DeFilippo

Yesterday the D.C. Council approved to a bill that would fine certain businesses that run their A/C while their doors are open.

Under the provisions of the bill introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), a business that doesn’t close its doors while running its A/C would run the risk of a $100 fine for a first offense, $200 for a second, $400 for a third, and $800 for a fourth offense.

Restaurants, non-chain retailers that occupy less than 4,000 square feet and hotels would be exempted. All told, some 4,000 businesses in the city would have to abide by the law.