LOS ANGELES (CNS) - With hundreds of illegal marijuana shops continuing to operate in Los Angeles, a City Council committee today moved forward with a plan aimed at cracking down on the businesses by shutting off their utilities.

The idea of shutting off water and power at illegal pot shops was proposed last year by Councilwomen Nury Martinez and Monica Rodriguez.

A report prepared by the Office of Chief Legislative Analyst and approved by the council's Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee recommends the city call for the drafting of an ordinance that would authorize the Department of Water and Power to disconnect utilities at illegal businesses. According to the report, the Department of Cannabis Regulation must provide written confirmation that the address in question does not have a license, and the Los Angeles Police Department or another city agency must provide written confirmation to the LADWP that commercial cannabis activity is occurring at the address.

Although marijuana has been legal for recreational sales in California since Jan. 1 of last year, a license from both the state and city is required to legally operate a dispensary in Los Angeles. Hundreds of illegal businesses are believed to be operating in breach of the regulations, according to LAPD Chief Michel Moore.