Two Route 57 smoke shop convenience stores in Onondaga County are facing scrutiny from New York State over more than $1 million in unpaid sales taxes, according to recently filed state tax warrants.
State and local records list one of the businesses as “J and J Convenience Market,” and it also appears under “J and J Convenience Smoke Shop.” One of the store’s signage also reflects changes: From the street it appears to be called J and J Smoke Shop, but in the parking lot, it is labeled “5 & J Smoke Shop,” and a “grand opening” sign is posted outside for what is now being called “Five J Smokeshop.”
Employees at the store said the change in ownership happened about a month ago, after the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance visited the smoke shop…