05-11-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 11, 2015 DAVID NELSON - HOOKAH HIDEOUT that he be allowed to move the Hookah Hideout back to his original location as well as expand into the adjacent vacant space so that he could have a combination hookah lounge and cigar lounge. Nelson noted that these are two distinct businesses and do not lend themselves to be operated in one space, therefore he would prefer to have a separate cigar lounge. The cigar lounge would have a walk-in humidor, humidor lockers, retail space and a smoking lounge. Keis asked what has changed since the Council amended the code banning smoking/sampling, yet grandfathered in the two existing tobacco stores in the City. Nelson reported that when he first came to the Council he alluded to the fact that cigar lounges would not be able to exist if the Council changed its ordinance. Nelson reported that he has envisioned opening a cigar -related business for the past five years. Before he came to Little Canada, Nelson reported that he had a smoke shop in Burnsville. Nelson stated that he saw the demand for a hookah shop and that is why he opened the Hookah Hideout in Little Canada. Nelson reported that he gets frequent requests for a cigar lounge. Nelson pointed out that he could add a cigar lounge to his existing space, but would prefer to have two separate businesses. Keis pointed out past Council action that allowed Hookah Hideout to move to another space in the shopping center resulting in additional retail/lounge space. Nelson noted that the primary reason for that move was that the landlord asked for the move so that space could be freed up at the east end of the shopping center. Nelson indicated that due to that move Hookah Hideout ended up with a few hundred extra square feet. Keis asked if Nelson is asking to move back to the original location. Nelson stated that he was plus would expand into the adjacent space as well. The result would be one side would be a hookah lounge and the other a cigar lounge. Nelson also indicated that there is water damage in his current location. Keis pointed out the issue of sampling/smoking and what is appropriate and Nelson's request to expand this activity. Nelson stated that the Clean Indoor Air Act allows sampling because of cigar lounges. Nelson indicated that his request would work under the confines of the Clean Indoor Air Act. Keis asked if the Council amends its ordinance to add another tobacco store license as well as allowing sampling/smoking for Nelson, how would the City say no to any additional requests. Nelson pointed out that he has a track record with the City and has never had one tobacco compliance failure in the 15 years he has been in the tobacco business. Nelson also pointed out that he could add a cigar lounge to his existing space and have 6