TITLE
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS TO ESTABLISH ZONING REGULATIONS FOR RETAILERS OF TOBACCO AND SMOKING PRODUCTS, SMOKE SHOPS, AND SMOKING PLACES.
BODY
WHEREAS, zoning regulations for retailers of tobacco and smoking products, smoke shops, and smoking places are not part of the current New Haven Zoning Ordinance;
WHEREAS, there has been a growing number of smoke shops and smoking places throughout our city;
WHEREAS, in recent years, many businesses that sell tobacco and smoking products have opened around the city, frequently close to other similar establishments or sensitive locations such as schools, parks, and houses of worship;
WHEREAS, the many new establishments of this kind that have opened throughout our city present challenges to public health and safety because these businesses can encourage the use of products that may be harmful and addictive, especially for youth in our community;
WHEREAS, the unregulated operations of these establishments are a concern to New Haven citizens;
WHEREAS, to limit the harms caused by tobacco and smoking products, there is a need to establish regulations regarding where new retailers of tobacco and smoking products, smoke shops, and smoking places may open in our city, in line with similar regulations that exist for the sale of other potentially harmful and addictive products such as alcohol and cannabis;
WHEREAS, this ordinance amendment establishes new use definitions under the zoning code for "Retailer of Tobacco and Smoking Products," "Smoke Shop," and "Smoking Place;"
WHEREAS, this ordinance amendment disallows the opening of a new smoke shop within 1,000 feet of the property line of any school, house of worship, or public park and disallows the opening of a new smoke shop within 3,000 feet of an existing smoke shop;
WHEREAS, this ordinance amendment would regulate and prevent the opening of new smoke shops near sensitive locations where youth are likely to spend time;
WHEREAS, prevent...
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