An Auburn-area smoke shop has racked up more than 20,000 in fines, and if they don’t pay up soon – officials in Cayuga County could pursue closure.
The shop faces three violations, one of which carries a hefty, $20,000 fine. Panda Smoke Shop has been found in violation of state law before, officials say, who most-recently hit the shop for selling flavored vape products banned in New York, having improper displays for tobacco products, and not having the required signage for tobacco sales.
State and local officials have pushed hard to combat the sale of vape products.
A consent order issued after the first round of violations last spring and hearing was held in May. No one showed up from Panda Smoke Shop.
County officials don’t expect a major challenge getting the shop shut down if they don’t respond, pay the fines, or address the ongoing issues.
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