N.Y. announces new initiative to crackdown on illegal sticker shops
ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) -- New York officials announced Thursday new procedures to shutdown illegal marijuana shops, commonly called sticker shops.
The new plan, which is included in the state's budget currently being voted on by lawmakers, gives authorities the ability to padlock stores that sell illegal cannabis and pose a threat to the health and safety of the community.
Violations that could lead to a sticker shop suddenly locked include: selling to minors, violent conduct, firearm possession, products untested and unlabeled, proximity to schools, places of worship and child centers among selling goods that make people sick. The budget also makes it a misdemeanor to damage or remove a lock.
Landlords will also face a fine if they do not evict what the state calls known violators of cannabis laws. In the Southern Tier, landlords will face a fine of five times the rent for their tenant known to be operating without a license.
New York will also expand the authority that local governments have when it comes to sticker shops. The state will provide counties and municipalities with guidelines to establish their own laws to inspect and padlock illegal businesses if needed.
The state plans to establish a task force to carry out civil enforcement on the illegal shops and go after suppliers the shops rely on.

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