FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
It turns out an illegal pot dispensary in Northeast Fresno is a civil issue not a criminal issue. Fresno Police are confident the pot dispensary is operating illegally. The City Attorney sent the business a legal notice Tuesday ordering it to cease and desist, but it's going to take a judge's order to shut it down.
This pot dispensary has been operating for a few days at a strip mall at Ashlan and Willow. The door is always locked and customers have to knock to gain entry. Fresno Police Lt. David Newton says it's not fair for nearby merchants. "I feel badly for the businesses next door to this guy. It's not right. He obviously has no regard for his neighbors. He doesn't seem to care about what the local business owners think."
Merchants that we talked to weren't willing to talk on camera. Off camera they did complain about the smell coming from the dispensary. They are concerned about pot customers loitering in the parking lot and how it is going to impact their businesses.
The remedy is in civil court. Fresno's Department of Revitalization and Development is charged with moving the complaint forward with the assistance of Fresno Police. "We are keeping an eye on it. Our goal if he doesn't stop by early part of next week we're probably gonna be back in court and seek an injunction against the owner," Lt. Newton said.
The Fresno City Council last amended an ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries in 2011. They were given a six month grace period which ended in March.
