Stockton approves moratorium on new smoke shops, considers changes to current ordinance
STOCKTON – The Stockton City Council unanimously approved a moratorium on any new smoke shops and on relocating or expanding a smoke shop.
Councilmembers approved the moratorium Tuesday night, which will be a 45-day period and went into effect immediately.
The council will now consider changes to the current city ordinance, like increasing the distance from areas like schools, parks and playgrounds. They'll also consider establishing a limit on the number of businesses allowed to sell tobacco products.
"There is severe illegal activity happening around smoke shops and many are operating without a license or not following the law," Mayor Christina Fugazi said. "Every day, I see the negative impact on our youth. I will say this again and again: Our children are not for sale."
Current code requires a distance of at least 600 feet from schools and parks, other smoke shops and bans the sale of flavored tobacco.
Part of what the council is considering is increasing the distance from schools and parks to 1,000 feet, and increasing fees, fines and penalties for illegal sales, including suspension of sales or possible loss of operations license.
San Joaquin County is also considering putting a moratorium in place that could limit the amount of smoke shops. County supervisors are set to discuss the matter at their next meeting on March 11.