Authorities now have the power to fine landlords who knowingly rent commercial space to illegal smoke shops, according to new legislation that has just gone into effect.
Landlords will be notified in writing if they are renting space to an illegal cannabis business that is busted by authorities. Landlords who make no attempt to kick the tenant out are then susceptible to being hit with hefty fines if the illegal cannabis business reoffends.
Introduced by Council Member Lynn Schulman and sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, among others, the pair brought attention to the new law on Monday outside of the Union Square Travel Agency Cannabis Dispensary. The legislation allows authorities to take aim at the landlords housing the illegal smoke shops, essentially allowing the NYPD, New York City Sheriff’s Office, and Office of Cannabis Management to have more freedom when it comes to enforcement.
