A smoke shop that has recently opened its doors directly outside BSNBCS Middle School at 342 Hart Street (less than 200 feet away). This location violates SECTION 1399-DD-1, which prohibits public display of tobacco products and paraphernalia near schools.

This is extremely disheartening to see a business peddling tobacco and drug paraphernalia being built in such close proximity to our school, especially given the struggles our community faces with drug abuse impacting both our students and others in the neighborhood.

We are outraged that a smoke shop would deliberately target an area frequented by school children. While these establishments often claim not to sell marijuana, we know they provide access to it and other substances that pose great risk. 

We have already begun connecting with the precinct, local officials and community leaders to address this situation. We must send a clear message that we will not tolerate the blatant sale of tobacco, vaping supplies, or any other intoxicants near where our youth come to learn.

Please reach out if you have any further connections who could aid us in this fight. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment to protect the children we serve.  

I humbly request your support in addressing this crisis. We are advocating for the health and welfare of young Brooklynites.

According to the New York State health law https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/current_policies.htm smoke shops in New York City cannot advertise any tobacco products within 500 feet of a school.