Kankakee City Council considers cap on smoke shop licenses amid public health concerns

The City of Kankakee is taking significant steps to address the proliferation of smoke shops within its borders. During a recent License & Franchise Committee meeting, city officials discussed the potential implementation of a cap on the number of smoke shops allowed in the city, reflecting growing concerns about public health and community safety.

Currently, Kankakee has approximately 64 locations where tobacco products can be purchased, including dedicated smoke shops and convenience stores. The committee noted that many of these establishments are concentrated in certain areas, raising questions about the necessity of additional shops. Officials highlighted that while the state of Illinois has not yet enacted a ban on certain tobacco products, neighboring states like Indiana and Iowa have already taken action.

The discussion revealed a split among state lawmakers regarding the regulation of these products, with some municipalities already moving to restrict their presence. The committee is considering a cap of three dedicated smoke shops, similar to previous regulations on liquor stores and video gaming cafes. This approach aims to balance the economic interests of local businesses with the need to protect residents, particularly youth, from the dangers associated with tobacco use.

Additionally, the committee is exploring the idea of requiring that any new convenience store selling tobacco products derive at least 75% of its sales from non-tobacco items. This measure would prevent businesses from circumventing the proposed cap by reclassifying themselves as convenience stores.

The committee plans to draft an ordinance to formalize these discussions and will review it in the coming months. If approved, the new regulations could be in place by April, aligning with the upcoming licensing period. This proactive approach underscores Kankakee's commitment to fostering a healthier community while addressing the concerns of its constituents regarding the saturation of smoke shops in the area.