The Waterbury Times|Breaking News|Published June 8, 2026

UPDATE: State Labor Department Issues Stop-Work Order

Order cites alleged labor law and workers’ compensation violations following multi-agency enforcement activity at East Main Street business.

June 10, 2026 10:08am

The Waterbury Times has obtained documentation showing that Connecticut Department of Labor officials issued a Stop-Work Order at Famous Gift Shop, located at 35 East Main Street in downtown Waterbury.

According to the order, the business was directed to cease all operations at the worksite. The document cites alleged violations related to Connecticut labor laws, including issues involving workers’ compensation coverage and payroll records.

The order references potential violations that may include failure to secure required workers’ compensation insurance, misclassification of employees as independent contractors, understating or concealing payroll information, and failure to provide required records to state investigators.

The stop-work order was issued by the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division.

The enforcement action comes after multiple agencies, including Waterbury Police and state officials, were observed conducting activity at the business earlier this week. During that operation, officers and investigators were seen removing items from the store as part of their investigation.

It remains unclear whether any criminal charges or additional regulatory actions will result from the investigation.

The Waterbury Times has reached out to the business and state officials for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.

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Original Reporting Begins- June 8, 2026

WATERBURY, CT — A smoke shop on East Main Street was the subject of a law enforcement and regulatory operation Monday, as multiple agencies converged on the business and removed numerous items from the premises.

Witnesses reported seeing several Waterbury police officers and representatives from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at the location throughout the day. During the operation, authorities were observed carrying multiple bags of marijuana-related products and paraphernalia from the store.

Among the items removed was a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Witnesses told The Waterbury Times that the material was transported to the Waterbury Police Department for testing before being returned.

Following the operation, a stop work order was posted at the business, preventing it from continuing operations pending further action.

Officials have not yet released details regarding potential violations, charges, or the results of any testing conducted during the investigation.

Sources indicate this may not be an isolated enforcement action. The Waterbury Times has learned that additional smoke shops throughout the city could face inspections or similar actions as authorities continue their investigation.

The exact scope of the operation remains unclear, and officials have not confirmed whether additional businesses have been targeted.

This is a developing story. The Waterbury Times will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.