Planning commission unanimously forwards Chapter 150 vape, tobacco amendments to City Council

The Bowling Green City Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed text amendments to Zoning Code Chapter 150 addressing tobacco and vape retailers and voted unanimously to forward the package to City Council with the commission's recommendation. Heather, a city planner, had presented the proposed changes at previous meetings; there was no applicant testimony and no members of the public spoke during the hearing. During deliberations commissioners revisited issues discussed in earlier sessions, including distance limitations intended to limit new standalone vape shops. Bob Boddy, a planning commission member, said he planned to vote for the recommendation but voiced reservations about the proposal's scope and likely effectiveness. "There's a part of me that is sensitive to the notion of government sort of picking winners and losers among business enterprises," Boddy said, and he questioned whether the amendments would prevent access through ancillary retailers that are not covered by the proposed language. Other commissioners echoed concerns about limiting lawful businesses but said they would forward the proposal so City Council could review and decide. A motion to send the proposed amendments to City Council with the commission's recommendation carried on a roll call vote of 9–0. The commission's action is a recommendation; final policy decisions and any legal enactment remain with City Council.