A Queens pol has introduced legislation targeting landlords who knowingly rent space to stores illegally selling cannabis.
The bill, introduced last month by Forest Hills Council Member Lynn Schulman, would require commercial landlords to evict unlicensed cannabis distributors or face fines.
The legislation, which is sponsored by 21 council members, would require authorities to put landlords on notice when they bust storefronts operating an unlicensed marijuana business.
The Sheriff’s office, NYPD and other agencies would have to issue a written notice to landlords that a bust had been made and that their tenants are operating an unlicensed cannabis business.
Should authorities make another cannabis-related bust and eviction proceedings have not begun, the landlord would be subject to an initial $1,000 fine — with subsequent fines being $2,000.
Currently just five businesses in New York City are licensed to sell weed. Meanwhile, the city estimates that there are at least 1,400 vendors selling it illegally from storefronts.
“I am proud to introduce Intro. 1001, which would prohibit landlords from knowingly leasing commercial space to tenants who use the premises for the distribution and sale of cannabis or cannabis products without a license,” Schulman said on the council floor last month. “Many of these shops sell adulterated products and also sell to children.”