A new law allows the authorities to fine landlords for renting storefronts to unlicensed smoke shop operators.
File photo by Lloyd Mitchell
While it remains difficult to pinpoint the exact number of illegal smoke shops and unlicensed cannabis dispensaries that have proliferated across Queens, it is estimated that more than 8,000 are operating citywide. On Monday a new law was enacted that gives the authorities the power to fine landlords for knowingly renting to unlicensed sellers of marijuana or tobacco products up to $10,000 for violations.
Councilwoman Lynn Schulman introduced the legislation that will crack down on the illegal operations that undermine licensed sellers while depriving New Yorkers of the tax revenues and community reinvestment funds guaranteed by the 13% tax on legal recreational marijuana sales.
“This is a game-changer in shutting down illegal cannabis shops that are proliferating in New York City and threatening our communities,” Schulman said. “These illegal shops sell to kids. The cannabis they sell has been found to be adulterated. Until now, measures at the state and local levels have targeted actual businesses. My legislation targets the commercial landlords who knowingly rent to these illegal operations. This will send the message to landlords that will make them either begin eviction proceedings against current tenants or provide a chilling effect to keep them from renting to them at all.”
Councilwoman Joann Ariola signed on as a sponsor of the legislation.
“It’s time that we hold landlords and property owners accountable for knowingly providing storefronts to businesses that have a negative impact on their communities,” Ariola said. “Unlicensed smoke shops put their communities at risk by peddling unlicensed products and damage the quality of life in the neighborhoods around them. In the interests of public safety, and to ensure that all New Yorkers can enjoy the quality of life that they deserve, those who…
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