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Council advances second-reading ordinance to tighten rules for smoke shops; vote set for next meeting
Summary
Council members discussed an ordinance amending smoke-shop rules, sponsored by Councilman Ramos; the item is scheduled for final action at the council's next meeting after police-supported changes were described.
The Newark Municipal Council heard discussion Tuesday on an ordinance (agenda item 6 PSFA) that would amend the city’s rules for smoke shops, with sponsorship by Councilman Ramos and a second by Councilman Gonzales. The ordinance was described as a collaborative effort with the Police Division intended to give officers an additional tool to address illegal activity at businesses that operate as smoke shops.
Councilman Ramos said the Police Division had worked on the proposal and framed the measure as a response to what he called “a huge quality-of-life issue for the city.” He urged colleagues to support passage at the next meeting so the ordinance could be signed into law and provide enforcement options for police.
The measure remained on the agenda for a public hearing, second reading and final passage at the council’s next meeting; no final vote was recorded at the pre-meeting. The council did not take a vote Tuesday night.
The discussion was limited to the ordinance’s public-safety rationale and police collaboration; no technical amendments or alternate regulatory language were offered on the record at this session. A final vote and any formal amendments will be reflected in the official minutes of the next council meeting.
Council staff indicated the item will proceed during the regularly scheduled session the following evening, where council members may cast final votes and members of the public may speak during the public hearing portion of the agenda.
