2 West Hartford Smoke Shops Shut Down By State, WHPD Over Violations: Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Members of the West Hartford Police Department’s Community Support Unit joined several state agencies Feb. 20 to conduct compliance checks at two smoke shops in town.

That operation, police said, resulted in both businesses being ordered to stop work.

According to Capt. Aaron Vafiades, public information officer for the West Hartford Police Department, said shops were found to be out of compliance with state requirements and were issued stop-work orders “until further notice.”

At the NY Convenience Shop, 74 LaSalle Road, officials identified issues with required documents and state licenses, the WHPD said.

Cigarette products were seized because they carried illegal tax stamps, police said.

At Bluemoon Smoke Shop, 39 South Main St., inspectors found expired state licenses, according to the WHPD.

The stop-work orders remain in effect pending further action, police said.

The inspections were conducted in partnership with the state Department of Consumer Protection, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addictive Services, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, and the Connecticut Department of Labor Wage and Workplace Standards.

Vafiades said the department appreciates the assistance of the state agencies involved in ensuring compliance with local and state regulations.

For information on the operation, click on this link.