Cities 101: The Menace of DIY Signage in NYC from No Hoodies to No BBQ Sauce

Earlier this fall, New York City was (rightfully) up in arms about the shops putting up the “No Hoodies” signs, but we will venture to say that they were just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to DIY signage in this city telling residents what they can’t do. We’ve been slowly photographing this trend as we come across it. If you have more, send them our way via Twitter or Instagram #untappedcities. You’d think the above photograph comes from perhaps a neighborhood filled with crime, but actually it’s just next to Lincoln Center. Wok City Chinese takeout on Amsterdam Avenue is filled with even better gems like “We do not cut wings,” “Sorry no barbecue sauce,”  and “Seats for Employees Only.”

The seats sign used to be handwritten and just said “seats for employees only,” but Wok City later updated it to apply to certain times. We should mention that there are only two seats in the entire joint. Still, the Chinese food is above average here and sometimes we swear they deliver within 3 minutes of hanging up the phone with you.

This is the sign in the display window at Furry Paws, just down the street from Wok City. “Do not tap on the glass,” which is also translated into Spanish, which explains a lot more than in English: the tapping hurts the ears of the kittens! Aww.

“We will not hold your phone,” declares Belleclaire Cleaners on 71st Street and Broadway. Crossed out is “After November 15, 2014.” We’re still trying to figure this one out. Does this mean if you accidentally leave your cell phone in your jacket and get it dry cleaned, or if you leave it on the counter, they’ll immediately sell it on the black market?

And for a better way to do this, check out the fun “Thou Shalt Not Poop” signs at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine!

Read more from our Cities 101 series about how stuff works in the city.