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WORKSHOP MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 <br />environment of Little Canada residents. She explained there was no punitive intention for small <br />businesses when the changes were made, it was truly about public health and public safety. She <br />outlined that she does not want to go back and change this ordinance, and empathizes with the <br />businesses, but feels the sunsetting of tobacco licenses was the original plan. <br />Fischer stated there was a lot of content with this ordinance. He didn't understand the sun setting <br />component at the ordinance at the time, and he did not share his concern about that at the <br />meeting when the changes were made. He explained that this will be punitive for owners that <br />want to sell their businesses as there is a monetary value to the license. For example, if the <br />owner of the Smoke Shop wanted to sell the business, the ability to have a tobacco license is an <br />integral part of their retirement plans, but there is no value to the business without a license. T. <br />Miller stated that the smoking business and regulations have also hindered the ability for these <br />businesses. <br />D. Miller stated he felt the business was being penalized. He asked if any businesses attended <br />the meeting when the code amendments were passed. The City Administrator replied that there <br />were possibly a couple of businesses in attendance. He noted than when you sell a business, it is <br />not uncommon to sell the "blue sky" and it is no guarantee. <br />Fischer stated that if you are a bar or restaurant and you are not making the right sales numbers, a <br />potential owner might not buy the establishment if they do not see it being successful, and or not <br />being able to get a liquor license. <br />Gutierrez asked if gas stations can survive without the sales of tobacco. The City Administrator <br />replied he was not sure, but that based on location and if proper investment was made, he felt one <br />possibly could. T. Miller stated the location of the by gas station was close to an apartment <br />complex, so there could be a small grocery business there that could thrive. <br />D. Miller stated that we were having discussion what could be, but what the gas station owner is <br />requesting is to be able to continue sell the same products so his business could be sold. Fischer <br />agreed, and stated that if an individual was a smoker, they would simply seek another station to <br />buy cigarettes. <br />T. Miller stated that quitting smoking should be what the city promotes and explore how we can <br />keep the gas station based on the amenities that are offered in the city, such as parks. Fischer <br />stated that he understands the sentiment, but if he was a smoker he would drive across to Vadnais <br />Heights to buy cigarettes. T. Miller explained that most smokers do not want to smoke, and if <br />someone was helping them quit, then the removal of cigarettes near them might be their driving <br />factor. She feels they should stand by the changes that were previously made. <br />Fischer asked if the City Clerk had enough information as there appeared to be a majority <br />Council consensus to move forward with the requested code amendment. He asked if there was <br />a timeline. that was needed. The City Clerk explained the owner of the gas station needed an <br />answer very soon as he had a buyer waiting. <br />N <br />