New York City landlords have moved to evict 75 retail tenants who were selling marijuana without a license after being threatened with $10,000 in fines, city officials announced Tuesday.
Mayor Eric Adams’ Marijuana Enforcement Task Force sent notices to 435 landlords in November, warning them that their retail tenants were found to be illegally peddling marijuana and could face steep fines.
Officials said 91 property owners responded that they had evicted or forcibly removed tenants from 15 locations and were in the process of doing the same for 60 other buildings.
“The letter was successful. We have received a positive response from the homeowner,” City Sheriff Anthony Miranda told The Post on Tuesday.
“The landlords finally woke up. Some of them had no idea what was going on.”
The letter from the task force, which includes the Sheriff’s Office, NYPD, and the Mayor’s Special Enforcement Unit, notes that landlords who aid and abet illegal activity may be subject to fines under the law. did.
“The unauthorized sale of tobacco or cannabis products by a tenant may subject the owner or landlord of the building in which it occurs to legal liability. If you are the owner or landlord of this building, It is your responsibility to ensure that your premises are operated in accordance with applicable laws.” said.
Landlords are negotiating with 16 other tenants who were accused of operating as unlicensed marijuana dispensaries, officials announced Tuesday.
But officials said there are ways to eliminate illegal marijuana storefronts.
“This is our first communication, so it’s a good first response. There’s still a lot of work to do,” Miranda said.
The sheriff pointed out that it is faster and easier for a landlord to set up an illegal marijuana store than for city or state officials to do so. To do so, city and state authorities must first initiate legal proceedings, such as the New York City Police Department’s efforts to shut down businesses under the Nuisance Act.
Miranda noted that landlords have clauses in their rental agreements with commercial tenants that allow them to be evicted if they engage in activities or violate moral conduct.
“Landlords have the most influence in making this happen. Break your lease and you’re gone,” he says, adding, “We support landlords in these efforts.” Ta.
Since the recreational sale of marijuana was legalized in 2021, the budding licensed cannabis industry has been hobbled by slow and difficult developments.
There are currently 78 licensed cannabis dispensaries across New York State, 35 of which are located in the city’s five boroughs.
But Adams and Sheriff Miranda estimate that there are as many as 2,000 smoke shops selling marijuana illegally in the Big Apple alone.
Many illegal cannabis stores operate with virtual impunity.
Miranda said Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new proposal to give local authorities the power to padlock unlicensed stores would help curb a huge black market and support licensed cannabis stores that pay taxes and follow strict regulations. Said it was helpful.
