Just 10 violations so far under city’s vaccine regs for biz

The city has doled out just 10 violations to Big Apple businesses since the start of a mandate requiring them to check customers for proof of vaccination for most indoor activities, according to Mayor de Blasio’s office.

City workers have conducted more than 21,000 inspections since enforcement of the “Key to NYC” program began Sept. 13, the office stated Sunday. Under 5,800 warnings were administered for issues relating to the vaccine mandate, including failure to post a written policy on premises.

The second time a business is caught, it receives a violation with a $1,000 fine. A third infraction brings a $2,000 fine and any further violations cost $5,000 each.

The mayor’s office declined to name the businesses that received violations, noting they’re allowed to appeal them.

“The early results of the Key to NYC inspections are hugely encouraging, and they confirm what we’ve known all along: businesses are ready to keep New Yorkers safe and end this pandemic,” de Blasio spokesman Mitch Schwartz said in a statement.

While enforcement of the vaccine mandate began last month, it officially started in August, allowing businesses to ease into the brave new world of having staffers check customers for proof of vaccination — through a vaccine card, a copy of a vaccine record or one of two official apps.

The policy has led to at least one physical altercation between staff and customers. Last month, tourists from Texas allegedly assaulted an Upper West Side restaurant hostess after she asked for proof of vaccination.

A group of local businesses has sued to fight the mandate, which they likened to “extortion.”

But last week, de Blasio sang the praises of vaccine mandates of all kinds, including a controversial one for teachers.

“Mandates work, they make us safer,” he told MSNBC Friday. “I would urge every mayor in America: Do it now, get those vaccine mandates in place ahead of the cold weather, when things are going to get tougher.”