Cincinnati committee advances ordinance to limit hookah‑service hours after residents cite late‑night violence

The Public Safety and Governance Committee voted in committee to move forward an ordinance introduced by Councilman Mark Jeffries that would limit hours for hookah and other smoking services after multiple residents described recurring late‑night violence and disorder connected to those establishments. The measure, as discussed in committee, would restrict smoking areas of hookah and similar establishments to 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; the smoking/vaping/service area — not necessarily the entire business — would be subject to the hours restriction.

Committee members and speakers said the change is intended to protect neighborhoods while allowing businesses to operate. “As a city, our first responsibility first is to keep our neighborhoods safe and livable,” Councilman Mark Jeffries said during the committee discussion. The committee chair, Scottie Johnson, said residents who have invested in neighborhoods are a priority: “Residents are my number 1 priority.”

The nut graf: The…