Jackson City Council rejects zoning ordinance restricting smoke shops, tobacco stores
The Jackson City Council voted down an ordinance that would have restricted the locations of new smoke shops and tobacco stores, citing concerns about limiting small businesses.Summary
The Jackson City Council rejected a proposed ordinance amendment aimed at limiting the proliferation of smoke shops and tobacco stores. The amendment, prompted by concerns over youth vaping rates exceeding national averages, would have prohibited new stores within 1.5 miles of existing ones and restricted them to specific zones. City Planning Director Stan Pilant argued the restrictions were necessary to reduce youth exposure to vaping products and marketing. However, council members like Russ McKelvey opposed the ordinance, arguing it unfairly targeted small businesses while doing little to address the core issue of underage vaping, as most youth obtain products from gas stations, convenience stores, or through friends and siblings. Police Chief Thom Corley confirmed the issue of underage vaping and the department’s efforts to address it. Ultimately, the council voted 7-1-1 against the amendment, opting instead to potentially pursue state-level legislation.
(Source：The Jackson Sun)
