NEW YORK CITY – Burger King is facing a $15 million lawsuit filed by a concerned resident who alleges that the fast-food chain’s location on Fulton Street has become a haven for drug dealers. Kevin Kaufman, a resident of the Fulton Chambers condominium building, filed the complaint with the New York Supreme Court, claiming that the restaurant fails to take sufficient action to prevent an “open-air drug bazaar” that has brought danger, illegal activity, and turmoil to the neighborhood.
Kaufman argues that the presence of drug dealers at the Burger King attracts individuals struggling with addiction, intoxicated individuals, and people with emotional disturbances, creating a crisis situation that jeopardizes the well-being of residents. The lawsuit states that this ongoing situation has resulted in extreme emotional distress for Kaufman and demands damages, as well as a preliminary injunction to prevent such behavior at Burger King.
Photographs captured by the New York Post show people engaging in cash transactions and smoking inside the restaurant. The proximity of the burger joint to City Hall only adds to the concern surrounding the alleged drug dealing. However, the franchise owner, Lalmir Sultanzada, maintains that there is little more he can do to address the issue and claims that he too is suffering as a result of the drug dealing.
Sultanzada explains that the drug dealers loiter around the restaurant, causing disruptions and occasionally physically assaulting his staff. He contends that the police have not properly addressed the problem and hiring private security is too costly. Closing the restaurant is not a viable option for Sultanzada, as he questions who would be responsible for his financial losses if he were to do so.
This lawsuit against Burger King highlights the ongoing struggle to address drug-related issues in urban areas and raises questions about the responsibility of businesses in maintaining the safety and well-being of their surrounding communities. The outcome of this case could potentially have implications for other establishments facing similar challenges. The community eagerly awaits the resolution of this lawsuit and hopes for a remedy that will restore peace and security to the neighborhood.