Special one-day permits, called a Form ABC-221, are obtained through the Alcoholic Beverage Commission ABCC).
In New York City alone, there are 12,187 taxi permits, called medallions, to operate the cabs.
This is partly because of a system of residence permits, called hukou, that resembles the pass system in South Africa under apartheid.
Nearly all the scandals have also involved officials using multiple identity cards and household residence permits, called "hukou," in efforts to evade detection and the limits that many big cities impose on how many residences an individual can buy.
For instance, while the E.P.A. has been determined to have the authority to regulate carbon emissions, the administration would rather have a market-based system of pollution permits, called cap and trade, that requires legislation.
Tuesday's vote came after Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk asked the board to reconsider the permit, calling the hubbub "a bit of a growing pain for the city".
Jones said the city may also require a permit calling for the approval of neighbors for equestrian clubs that meet or have activities at a residence.
The permit, called the employment authorization document, allows foreign nationals to work in the United States.
A parking permit called the Northwest Forest Pass, $5 a day or $30 a year, is necessary.
