Baltimore City Council votes to restrict smoke shops and introduces "padlock" bill
The Baltimore City Council voted on Monday to regulate the city's growing number of smoke shops, and could later put a padlock on some.
City leaders approved legislation to prevent smoke shops from operating within 750 feet of a school, park, or recreation center.
A bill was also introduced on Monday that would give the city more power to act quickly and shut down smoke shops that have become repeat offenders when it comes to the illegal sale of cannabis and other substances.
There are at least 1,200 smoke shops in Baltimore, with the highest concentration in low-income areas, according to city data.
"This city council is sending a message today to smoke shop operators that want to prey on the vulnerability of our kids and our communities, we will shut you down," Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen said.
Restrictions on smoke shop locations
The restriction on smoke shops near schools, parks, and recreation centers heads to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott's desk for approval.
The bill also says that smoke shops that are already open within 750 feet of a school, recreation center, or park would have two years to close.
City councilmembers hope these new rules will help slow the growth of Baltimore's surging smoke shop industry.
"I hope to see a lot less of our young people using these products," said councilmember Zac Blanchard.
Proposed "padlock" bill on smoke shops
City councilmembers proposed a bill on Monday that would "padlock" smoke shops that repeatedly sell illegal cannabis and other controlled substances.
The bill would temporarily shut down those problem businesses after two documented violations.
The city would be required to post notice and provide a hearing before a shop could be shut down until it comes into compliance.
"We have seen the constituents that live in our community say, 'We've seen the raid but why did they open back up?'" said councilmember Antonio Glover. "So this is the reason we are out here, we see what they see, we feel what they feel and we understand it the way they do."
