Overview
- The City Council approved a rule blocking smoke shops within 750 feet of schools, parks, or recreation centers and sent it to Mayor Brandon Scott for signature.
- Existing shops inside those buffers would have two years to close or move under the zoning change.
- Lawmakers also introduced a "padlock" bill that would allow temporary closure after two documented violations through a Consumer Protection Board hearing with posted notice.
- Officials say fines have not worked as some operators keep selling illegal cannabis or to minors, and they cite at least 1,200 shops citywide with heavy clusters in low-income areas.
- Residents and councilmembers expect fewer storefronts near kids and less clustering over time, while the padlock plan still needs administrative steps before any shutdowns can occur.