Hash Convenience Store In Kings Park Closed 2nd Time, Deemed 'Unsafe' By Town

KINGS PARK, NY — Hash Convenience Store was shut down for the second time in a week and deemed unsafe by Town of Smithtown officials, the town announced.

Members of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety Fire Prevention Division and Suffolk police officers from the Fourth Precinct responded on Monday to a complaint that the Hash Convenience Store, at 60 Main St., Kings Park, was operating unlawfully, officials said.

The complaint came one week after the business was shut down in connection with unlawful dealing with a child and 30 summonses being issued for multiple violations of the fire code, authorities said. The shop is owned by Taj & Hash Corporation.

"Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is paramount," Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said in a news release. "The repeated closure of Hash Convenience Shop underscores our commitment to upholding the building code, and stringent standards of public safety. We commend the collaborative efforts of The Smithtown Department of Public Safety Fire Prevention Division and SCPD 4th Precinct Crime Control officers in swiftly addressing concerns and taking decisive action. Together, we reaffirm our dedication to the community as we respond, investigate and penalize those businesses illegally operating, when the law has been broken, maintaining a secure environment for our residents and visitors alike."

Last week, the Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers, along with the Suffolk County Tobacco Enforcement Unit, Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal, and the Town of Islip Fire Marshal, investigated the sale of nicotine products to minors, according to the town.

The investigation involved the inspection of 32 businesses between March 12 and March 13. Violations were found at seven stores, including Hash Convenience Shop, officials said.

An arrest was made in connection with an illegal transaction with a minor, along with 30 summonses issued by the Department of Public Safety and the Building Department for multiple violations of the fire code, deeming the building unsafe to operate, authorities said.

On Monday, fire marshals and police confirmed an official complaint, which was issued by members of the community, according to the town. They found the business was open and operating despite the closure order, officials said. Fire marshals issued an additional 12 summonses for multiple violations of the fire code, the town stated. The building department issued additional summonses for violation of the building code, according to the town.

"The business has been declared unsafe and will remain closed until all infractions have been corrected," the town stated.