Judge Rules Operation Padlock Unconstitutional
By Idy Perl
Over the last few months more than 1,200 smoke shops in NYC have been closed down as part of Operation Padlock, an initiative from the Adams administration to get illegal smoke and cannabis shops shut down.
However, a judge ruled yesterday that the operation is unconstitutional since the process infringed on business owners rights.
This ruling, which the Adams administration is planning to fight, means that shops that have been closed down can now reopen and take legal action against the city. A class action lawsuit has already been filed by some of the shops that were forced to close.