The Jersey City Council is holding approving Downtown Flwr dispensary’s cannabis license renewal due to labor issues.

Jersey City Council Deliberates Downtown Flwr

During the July meeting of the Jersey City Council, they debated the Downtown Flwr resolution. It is not back on the agenda for their upcoming August meeting.

At their last meeting, Ward B Councilman Joel Brooks asked what would happen if they didn’t renew them.

“These renewals are required. I can’t speak to the particular timeline of any consequences that would flow from that. That’s something we can look into, and report to the Council on,” Corporation Counsel Sarah M. Levine replied.

“I think I’d like to hear more about this particular business. I can only speak for myself,” Brooks said.

“Is there a time by which we have to approve of these renewals?” Council President Denise Ridley asked.

“Not that I’m aware of,” Assistant Business Administrator Peter Horton said. “I’m amenable to withdrawing.”

Business Administrator Ruby Choi also said it was Okay to withdraw as well.

When asked why it was pulled, Brooks responded in an email that “We are investigating issues related to treatment of employees.”

Downtown Flwr was approved at the June 2026 meeting of the Jersey City Cannabis Control Board (CCB) meeting for renewal.

At the meeting, CCB attorney Ron Mondello explained, “They had no issue paying their two percent municipal tax. There has been absolutely no complaints…”

So the Jersey City CCB approved their renewal 5-0.

Downtown Flwr Dispensary Worker Relays Horror Stories on Reddit

Earlier this year, a Downtown Flwr worker posted their horror story of working there on Reddit:

“I began working at Downtown Flwr in November 2025. I was initially hired under the understanding that I would be working full-time hours, which at this company typically meant around 30–35 hours per week. At first, that expectation was met. However, after additional staff were hired, my hours gradually decreased to about 20–25 hours per week, which is more consistent with part-time work.”

“For context, I maintained my primary job at a restaurant throughout my time at the dispensary, so while the reduction in hours was frustrating, it did not leave me without income.”

“Around January 15, 2026, a manager (who has since left the company) submitted a resignation email that was shared with both staff and upper management. In that message, he cited concerns about workplace conditions, including lack of hot water, insufficient heating, questionable electrical practices, and broader concerns around safety, scheduling, and operational management.”

“…As of April 2026, certain concerns such as inconsistent heating, lack of hot water, and scheduling practices still appeared to persist.

“…My concerns are not directed at every member of upper management. My experience was primarily shaped by interactions with the general manager. I do not have personal animosity toward her, and I recognize that leadership roles come with pressure. That said, accountability is important in any workplace.”

“A recurring concern among staff was the management style—decisions often felt inflexible, and communication could come across as passive-aggressive rather than solution-oriented. There were also instances where employees felt that reasonable documentation for absences (such as medical notes or court-related obligations) was not accepted due to very specific or unclear requirements, resulting in disciplinary action. Situations like these contributed to a sense of inconsistency and frustration among staff.”

“Another broader issue that affected workplace morale involved public controversy connected to ownership. Customers began asking questions in-store, and there was visible discussion on social media. Many employees felt that some form of public communication or acknowledgment from leadership would have helped provide clarity. However, no official statement was made during that time, which left staff to navigate those conversations on their own.”

“I’ll close with my personal experience that ultimately led to my departure. Schedules at the dispensary were released on Mondays, while my primary job’s schedule came out on Fridays. On March 30, 2026, I received my schedule for the week, which included a closing shift on April 7. I confirmed that schedule with my other job.”

“On the day of that shift, I woke up to a message stating I had missed a morning opening shift. When I checked the scheduling app, I saw that my shift had been changed from a closing to an opening shift without my knowledge. I reached out respectfully to clarify and later went in to work what I believed was my original shift. Upon arrival, I received notice that I had been terminated for a no-call/no-show.”

“I was told the schedule had not changed, but I had documentation showing what I was originally scheduled for and what I had communicated to my other employer. Based on the timeline, this situation did not feel properly acknowledged or resolved.”

“To be clear, I hold no ill will toward anyone at the company. I’m sharing this simply to provide transparency for those considering employment here or those who want a better understanding of the work environment from an employee’s perspective.”

“…Don’t work there, don’t support people who think doing business with pedo’s is something you don’t need to address and clarify with the public.”

Downtown Flwr Owner Donated to Fulop’s NJ Dem Governor Campaign

Upon searching NJ ELEC political campaign records, it was found that one of Downtown Flwr’s owners, Benny Shabtai, donated $9,800 to the June 2025 New Jersey Democratic primary for Governor election campaign of former Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. He donated half in April 2023 and half in March 2025.

Shabtai donated after they had been approved by the City Council both times.

Downtown Flwr first received its license while known as Oceanfront Holdings in July 2022 from the Jersey City Cannabis Control Board (CCB), after initially being heard at a previous CCB meeting that month.

While known as Oceanfront Holdings, the company was approved for a resolution from the Jersey City Council needed to open a dispensary in September 2022.

They were among the first 50 NJ adult-use cannabis dispensaries to open in August 2023.

Downtown Flwr Owner Benny Shabtai and Epstein

Based on sources, it was verified that Benny Shabtai was friendly with the infamous deceased pedophile Wall Street investor Jeffrey Epstein. They exchanged emails.

However, no further involvement with Epstein has been confirmed.

His wife, Stacey Shabtai, was also noted as an owner when it was approved. Amanda Handy of Monmouth County remains the State-mandated local owner with a minimum ownership percentage.