News Summary

The New York Attorney General’s Office has halted a car wash’s discriminatory pricing practices that targeted Jewish customers during Passover. The Super 4 Seasons car wash in Rockland County promoted a costly ‘Passover Special,’ charging Jewish customers significantly more than non-Jewish customers for similar services. Investigations revealed that Jewish clients were denied access to standard rates, raising serious concerns over religious discrimination. The Attorney General has mandated the car wash to cease these practices or face hefty penalties.

New York Attorney General Takes Action Against Car Wash for Discriminatory Pricing Targeting Jewish Customers During Passover

In a move that has captured attention across New York, the Attorney General’s Office has put the brakes on a local car wash’s discriminatory pricing scheme that targeted Jewish customers during the holy season of Passover. The Super 4 Seasons car wash, located in Rockland County—just north of the hustle and bustle of New York City—found itself under scrutiny for its dubious offers.

What’s the Scoop?

Since at least 2018, the car wash had been promoting a “Passover Special” specifically designed for Jewish customers looking to clean their vehicles of chametz—those pesky leavened products—before the holiday celebrations. While this might sound like a convenient offer, the reality was quite different. The service cost a steep $169, which is more than three times the average price of $47 for equivalent cleaning services. Talk about a financial splurge just in time for the holiday!

Unfair Practices Uncovered

As if the inflated price wasn’t enough, reports surfaced that Jewish customers were actively denied access to the standard, lower-priced cleaning service. Investigators from the Attorney General’s civil rights bureau uncovered that while the car wash informed Jewish customers that only the expensive “Passover packages” were available, non-Jewish customers were still able to request the regular services at the usual rates. This stark contrast raised alarm bells regarding religious discrimination.

Situated in Spring Valley, an area with a significant population of Haredi Jews, the car wash attracted the attention of many individuals who were rightly outraged. An investigation was launched in response to complaints that came flowing in during April 2024. Undercover investigators uncovered a shocking truth: the car wash had sold over 250 of these “Passover” cleaning services, raking in over $35,000 in revenue from this tactic over the span of two years.

Evidence Speaks for Itself

What made the investigators’ task easier was the fact that they confirmed the discriminatory pricing through undercover operations. One investigator, dressed in Orthodox attire, was told bluntly that the car wash was only offering “shampoos and Passover cleanings.” Meanwhile, non-Jewish customers were greeted with the standard pricing, highlighting an unmistakable pattern of unfair treatment based purely on religious grounds.

This blatant act of discrimination triggered a reaction from the Attorney General’s Office, which has since ordered the Super 4 Seasons car wash to halt all promotions that suggest special pricing based on religious holidays. The car wash has also been mandated to stop charging Jewish customers higher rates than their non-Jewish counterparts. If they fail to comply, they could face a whopping $75,000 penalty!

Broader Concerns on Discrimination

Attorney General Letitia James emphasized that targeting Jewish customers with misleading pricing tactics during Passover is not just a minor oversight but an act that is “unacceptable.” The office has even issued alerts to the Jewish community in New York, urging them to remain vigilant against potential price gouging related to Passover essentials. Sadly, this isn’t the first time complaints of similar discriminatory practices have surfaced during the season, raising ongoing concerns regarding religious equality in local businesses.

New Yorkers who feel they’ve been victims of religious discrimination are encouraged to come forward and report their experiences to the Attorney General’s Office. In a city that prides itself on diversity and inclusivity, it’s crucial to stand together against injustices that target any community.

As the Super 4 Seasons wraps up this chapter, let’s hope that other service providers take note and treat all customers fairly—no matter their background. After all, holidays should be a time of joy, not financial strain!

New York Attorney General Takes Action Against Discriminatory Car Wash Pricing