Officials from the state Division of Consumer Affairs on Thursday said they had issued notices of violation to the clubs for not registering their businesses with the state, which is required for clubs that devote a large portion of their business to physical fitness.
Fourteen of the businesses were also cited for violating state law by not posting notification of consumers’ rights, and nine for selling long-term contracts without setting aside securities to assure customers could be given refunds.
Gyms across state fined for neglecting consumer laws
Local gyms and spas from Columbus to Hamilton were among 53 statewide fined $5,000 or more each yesterday by the state Division of Consumer Affairs.
Steve Lee, the acting director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, said customers “have a right to expect their club is properly registered and properly bonded so they won’t lose money on a long-term contract should the club go out of business or violate contracts with the consumer.”
Businesses that allegedly failed to register or sold the illegal long-term contracts face a $5,000 penalty for each offense, and those that did not post consumer notices face an additional fine of $250, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.
State authorities said gym-goers should make sure their facility is registered with the state at NJConsumerAffairs.gov, and to call the Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846 when they sign up for memberships lasting longer than three months to make sure a potential refund is secured.
See a full list of the health clubs cited below:
