Short North smoke shop shut down by City after alleged underage sales, gun violence
City Attorney Zach Klein announced in a press release that the Property Action Team secured a court order to shut down a problematic smoke shop in the Short North. Tied to violent crime and illegal sales, Cartel Palace Smoke Shop reportedly engaged in underage sales and promoted takeover events linked to gun violence.
The shop has reportedly violated tobacco laws repeatedly by selling to underage customers, promoting “takeover events” throughout the neighborhood, and they have been connected to multiple recent shootings. Columbus Police executed an order to board up the Cartel Palace Smoke Shop located at 1127 N. High Street on Thursday, April 30.
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Klein said, “We want businesses to succeed in the Short North, but that comes with the expectation that owners follow the law and do not promote chaos and criminal activity. This smoke shop failed to meet that basic standard, so we stepped in and asked the Court to shut them down. Thanks to CPD and the Property Action Team for moving swiftly once we had the evidence needed to hold owners accountable for their utter disregard for the law and the safety of residents and visitors to the Short North.”
According to court documents, Cartel Palace began its operations in 2025 selling tobacco products without a license. The owners applied for the permit after Columbus Public Health issued a violation. Not long after that, operators completed an underage sale to an undercover CPH agent. CPH issued Cartel Palace a $1,000 fine. Months later, CPH agents returned to attempt another underage buy, and the shop owners completed the illegal sale. For the second offense, CPH issued Cartel Palace a $5,000 fine, which they reportedly have not paid.
The press release said, “In addition to repeated underage sales, Cartel Palace has also promoted takeover events in the Short North. These events invite large groups, often teens and young adults, to take over streets and parking lots, and have led to some of the worst violent incidents in the Short North in recent years.”
Columbus Police have responded to the property regarding complaints about noise violations. Property Action Team Attorney Christopher Clark said, “Businesses have an obligation to follow the law and be good neighbors. Cartel Palace failed on both counts, which is why the City stepped in to get them shut down. If your business breaks the law and threatens public safety and order, we will hold you accountable.”
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