Q&A
Enforcement of Local Law 107 on landlords renting to illegal cannabis retailers
0:23:51
·
130 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about the enforcement of Local Law 107 of 2023, which prohibits landlords from knowingly renting commercial space to unlicensed cannabis retailers. Sheriff Miranda explains that they have been issuing warning letters to shops and building owners when violations are found, and that landlords have generally been cooperative in addressing these issues.
- The Sheriff's Office has not had to fine or take legal action against landlords yet
- Some district attorneys' offices have taken direct action against a few landlords
- The enforcement process involves notifying landlords and working with them to evict illegal tenants
Gale A. Brewer
0:23:51
Okay, first question.
0:23:52
Local Law 107 of 2023 prohibits landlords, as you know, from knowingly renting commercial space to unlicensed cannabis retailers It went into effect 14 months ago.
0:24:04
I think you have not issued any violations, but you have sealed up alleys in shops.
0:24:10
That could be $10,000,000 in revenue.
0:24:12
I know you mentioned this is not a revenue generating.
0:24:16
But if people are breaking the law, they should pay a fine, in my opinion.
0:24:19
So why are we not sending you sent warning letters as you indicated to landlords?
0:24:26
I know that the d a's have done the same.
0:24:28
But I believe this law has not been enforced.
0:24:32
Landlords are far more likely to pay the fines than as you suggest illegal business operators who disappear.
0:24:39
So please explain what's going on with enforcement of local law 107 of 2023.
Anthony Miranda
0:24:46
Thank you for the question, council member.
0:24:48
We have issued letters to every single shop.
0:24:50
We find violations.
0:24:51
So it's on a regular basis.
0:24:53
On the shops and the building owners.
0:24:55
The building owners get automatic notices when we find violations, and they have put on notice that we have found illegal activity at their business.
0:25:02
For the most part, we have found that landlords have been very cooperative once they're notified and have been working with not only our office, but the various district attorneys, trying to evict the illegal tenants that they have with people breaking the leases.
0:25:14
So we have not had the occasion yet to have to find a landlord or take legal action against a landlord that I'm aware of.
0:25:21
But I know that we are also working closely with the various district attorney's office and some find the information of the same locations that we do inspections on.
0:25:29
So they can also take the appropriate steps to to take action against the landlords.
Gale A. Brewer
0:25:34
Alright.
0:25:34
So what you're saying is the landlords have all been cooperative.
0:25:37
In when you go to a commercial enterprise on their premises.
0:25:42
You've not had any that are not cooperative.
Anthony Miranda
0:25:45
At this point, I'd say that they have been primarily cooperative with the process that we're engaged in.
0:25:50
And those that haven't, I know that some of the district attorney's offices have taken direct action against a few landlords.
Gale A. Brewer
0:25:56
Okay.
0:25:56
But you don't know which ones from the DA's office?
Anthony Miranda
0:25:59
I I do not.
Gale A. Brewer
0:26:00
Okay.
