COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A smoke shop in Columbus’ Short North has been shut down after the city linked it to violent crime and alleged repeated violations of tobacco laws.
Cartel Palace Smoke Shop is now boarded up. City Attorney Zach Klein accuses the business of repeatedly selling tobacco products to underage customers and promoting takeover events in the Short North.
According to court documents, Cartel Palace opened in 2025, selling tobacco products without a license. Klein also said the owners applied for a permit only after Columbus Public Health issued a violation…