An illegal pot shop that brazenly opened up across from the DA’s office was closed and emptied Monday after being exposed by The Post.
The store — steps away from the busy Kew Gardens Union Turnpike subway stop — was serving cannabis-infused goodies and flowered marijuana when The Post visited on Sunday.
A visit Monday found an empty storefront with no cannabis anywhere inside, covered by a gated fence.
It was unclear whether city or state authorities inspected the premises. There weren’t any notices of violation posted on the storefront and it wasn’t clear if the closure was permanent.
A new city law approved earlier this year allows authorities to go after Big Apple landlords who rent store space to illegal weed or tobacco sellers.
Landlords face initial fines of $5,000 and then $10,000 following inspection thereafter.
Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, who sponsored the law targeting landlords, said the threat of fines may have spurred the building’s owner to order the tenant to shut the unlicensed cannabis shop.
“I’m glad the law is having some effect,” said Schulman, whose district includes the civic hub in Kew Gardens.
“These illegal businesses are a public safety hazard and a health hazard.”
She noted that the illicit shops attract robbers because they deal in cash and the weed products could be tainted because they are not regulated or tested by the state.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards playfully cited late rapper Notorious B.I.G./Biggie Smalls while applauding the closure of the illicit pot shop.
“Like Biggie said, never get high on your own supply. Sorry to kill the vibe, but the state’s licensing program is the law and everyone must abide,” Richards said.
