The day after Thanksgiving, the start of the holiday season, also happens to be one of the busiest days of the year for tourists (and locals) visiting the Statue of Liberty. Which makes it prime hunting season for illegal ticket hawkers trying to make a buck preying on mostly-out-of-their-element sightseers.
The hustlers swarm people exiting the Bowling Green and South Ferry subway stations, asking if they are going to the statue. While a National Park Service-franchised ride on Statue Cruises to Liberty and Ellis Islands cost $18.50, the hustlers steer them away, promising $35 "express" tickets for harbor boat tours that don't land on either island.
What's illegal is soliciting business on city parkland, which includes both subway stations. City Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lorelei Salas should take a five-minute walk from her office at 42 Broadway to see how the hawkers are breaking the law. Then, yank the licenses she issued them.
Last week, the feds asked Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen to help. She should get the Economic Development Corp. to revoke berthing rights at Piers 16 and 36 for boats using illegal ticket sellers. The Port Authority must do likewise at their Vesey St. pier. Stop the monumental ripoffs.