Norwalk Smoke Shop First To Be Cited Under New City Ordinance: Police

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk smoke shop was the first business to be cited under a new city ordinance created earlier this year, police announced Wednesday.

In a news release, Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski said officers executed a search and seizure warrant at R and R Convenience and Smoke, located on Main Street, on Sept. 16.

The search was part of an ongoing investigation into smoke shops in Norwalk suspected of selling cannabis and cannabis products without a valid cannabis license, Podgorski said.

According to Podgorski, a new city ordinance pertaining to vape shops was recently created due to "ongoing issues with vape shops selling marijuana, THC edibles, nitrous oxide and other illegal items."

The new ordinance, adopted by the city's Common Council in March, can be viewed in full under city code CC-112A and details the steps necessary to obtain a license to operate a vape shop in Norwalk.

"It also details that if the chief of police or the director of health department find that a retailer is in violation of this chapter, the vape shop owner will be punishable by a fine, suspension and/or revocation of the license," Podgorski said in a news release.

Podgorski outlined the following progression of penalties:

(a) Upon the first violation of this chapter, the chief of police, the director of health, or their respective designees, shall impose a fine of $250.

(b) If a second violation of this chapter is issued within a 12-month period following the first violation, the retailer's license shall be suspended for six months by the city clerk. Upon suspension of a license, all vape products shall be removed from the premises. Failure to remove shall constitute a separate violation for each and every day of noncompliance.

(c) If a third violation of this chapter is issued within a 24-month period following the first violation, the retailer’s license shall be revoked by the city clerk. Upon revocation of a license, all vape products shall be removed from the premises. Failure to remove shall constitute a separate violation for each and every day of noncompliance.

According to Podgorski, R and R Convenience and Smoke is the first business to be cited under this new city ordinance.

The store's owner was issued a $250 infraction for violation of Norwalk City Code CC-112A-13, according to Podgorski.

Podgorski also noted the Norwalk Police Department remains committed to addressing illegal vape sales and unlicensed cannabis product distribution.

"The Norwalk Police Department remains committed to addressing illegal vape sales and unlicensed cannabis product distribution," Podgorski said. "Our officers will continue proactive enforcement operations targeting illegals sales and unlicensed establishments throughout the city. This new ordinance provides an important tool to support enforcement efforts and enhance public safety."