ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Last month, Chemung County voted to pass a law aiming to crackdown on unlicensed cannabis sales, allowing county officials to shut down sticker shops.  On Monday night, the City of Elmira introduced their own version of this law.

In April, Governor Kathy Hochul gave local authorities the ability to enforce state cannabis laws.  If passed, this local law would allow the Elmira Police Department, City Code Enforcement, and the city manager to shut down unlicensed cannabis activity at businesses in the city.

The law also says that the city manager will set up a system for receiving tips about unlicensed activity.  From there, officials can inspect places in the city, and if they are found in non-compliance, officials can seize any cannabis products and seal the building. 

Also, fines ranging $100 to $10,000 each day for non complaint shops are on the table, capping out at $25,000.

"It's been a long time coming," said Elmira Mayor Dan Mandell.  "We know this was a huge mistake made by the state when they enacted the law several years ago and we'll be able to start shutting [the unlicensed shops] down. And we actually are hoping for the legalized dispensaries to open up in Elmira, and the reason why that is is that we get tax revenue out of it, 3%.  I always say 'when you're in Rome, you do what the Romans', and the state's legalized cannabis. Whether you agree with it or disagree with it, it's there. So we're looking forward to the legalized dispensaries, which will be regulated and overseen and generate, hopefully, tax revenue for the city."

The city has set a date for a public hearing about the law.  That will take place at 5:30 p.m. on December 16th, at the regularly scheduled city council meeting.  The council is expected to vote after the hearing.