La Habra, California Development News

City Council Approves Ordinances to Regulate Tobacco Retailers and Extend Moratorium on Smoke Shops

The City Council considered a package of ordinances aimed at regulating tobacco retailers, including extending a moratorium on new smoke shops, prohibiting new smoke shops, and establishing a comprehensive tobacco retailer licensing (TRL) program. The TRL ordinance would regulate all businesses selling tobacco products, nicotine, e-cigarettes, or paraphernalia, with provisions for annual renewal, non-transferability of licenses, and enforcement through inspections and penalties. The council also discussed potential amendments to ban the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use and kratom. Public comments largely focused on the kratom aspect, differentiating between traditional and synthetic forms, and its use for pain management. The council ultimately approved Ordinance Item 1B with modifications to grandfather in existing retailers with 10 years of business, allowing them to sell their businesses.