05-25-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 25, 2011 DeRosa reported that a tobacco vendor only makes $.10 to $.15 on a pack of cigarettes, therefore, the majority of the profit is in tobacco - related devices. Montour pointed out the issue of the element that may come into a tobacco store solely to purchase certain devices. DeRosa reported that Little Canada already has that element in the community as in every community. Blesener asked if the ordinance should list the devices that would not be allowed to be sold. DeRosa replied that in his opinion, yes. DeRosa again stated that this is a family -owned business and his only interest is in making an honest dollar. Montour asked what tobacco products the Little Canada Smoke Shop sells. DeRosa replied that they sell cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, and pre - packaged tobacco. DeRosa's opinion was that there should be no limitation on the percentage of tobacco - related devices that can be sold. Keis indicated that rather than put together a long list of items that cannot be sold, the City's is attempting to regulate tobacco - related devices through the space limitation. Keis asked how the Council can protect the citizens of Little Canada. Blesener noted that there are two distinct businesses that are being discussed. He felt that enough information has been presented this evening, that action should be tabled on the proposed ordinance amendment, and perhaps a workshop be held in the future to continue the discussion. The City Attorney suggested that the proposed amendment may need to be revised to provide for three business classifications, a general sales and display tobacco license, a tobacco shop license, and a hookah lounge license. The Attorney noted that the issue of sampling is still up for discussion, and pointed out that while the State did not define sampling, the City has the authority under State Law to do so. Dan Fees appeared before the council and indicated that he understands the issues being discussed. Fees stated that the question is how to deal with the issues properly so there are no problems in the future and the community is well served. Fees felt that the hookah lounge can be a benefit to Little Canada. Ile suggested that the Council visit the lounge. Fees also suggested that the Council review the Columbia Heights ordinance. Fees reported that in smoking a hookah, the individual is inhaling vapor and not really smoking. Fees stated that utilizing a hookah 16