Saturday, April 29, 2023

Convenience Tobacco rises from the ashes of Runtz Tobacco; NYPD takes note

This past week, Convenience Tobacco debuted with a grand opening at 14 First Ave. between First Street and Second Street. 

You may recall that this space was previously Runtz Tobacco, one of four unlicensed East Village cannabis shops that the city attempted to shut down this year. Runtz was permanently shuttered as of early March. 

Meanwhile, the new establishment is using the Runtz Tobacco sidewalk signage. As the Daily News reports, the NYPD has taken note. (Or took note after a reporter from the Daily News called.)

Per the News
According to the NYPD, the shop is going against the court order that shut Runtz down.

"They are currently in violation of a court order to remain closed to the public," an NYPD spokesperson said of the shop in a statement. "It is anticipated that the premises will be closed again soon. If not, we will seek to get a full closure order from the court."

NYPD intends to resolve the case with a settlement, the NYPD spokesperson added. 
And... 
Attempts by the Daily News to reach Runtz's owner, lawyer and landlord were unsuccessful and an employee at the shop said she wasn’t able to answer questions about the store.
It had been a challenging debut for Runtz. Armed robbers reportedly took them for $5,400 shortly after opening this past August.

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