The Moline City Council on Dec. 17 amended municipal tobacco licensing rules to create three license categories and to regulate issuance through temporary moratoria for certain classes.

City staff described an ordinance that defines Class A as primary tobacco retailers (vape and tobacco specialty shops), Class B as incidental tobacco retailers (convenience stores and similar businesses), and Class C as head shops (accessories that could be used for cannabis). The proposal retained a temporary moratorium on new Class A primary-retailer licenses through Dec. 1, 2025, and initially included Class C in the moratorium.

Alderson Schmidt and other council members raised concerns about overlap between categories — for example, businesses that sell both tobacco products and accessories — and how existing businesses would be classified and grandfathered. City staff said existing licensees would not be negatively affected and that renewals would be handled to avoid disenfranchising current businesses.

Alderson Timmian moved to remove Class C from the moratorium; Alderson Finch seconded the amendment. The amendment passed by roll call 4–3 (four ayes, three nays). After discussion about enforcement and renewal processes, the council passed the ordinance as amended. The ordinance limits Class A licenses to five (the current number), Class B to 36 (the current number) and sets Class C at five; staff will accept renewals and work case-by-case when businesses require dual classification.

Council action summary: the council approved the ordinance as amended; the amendment removed the temporary moratorium on Class C head-shop licenses. Staff said enforcement for incidental (Class B) applicants will rely on affidavits and on renewal reviews.

Ending — City staff will work with licensing and finance staff to ensure renewals and classifications do not reduce the number of licenses currently operating; enforcement and case-by-case adjustments will be handled administratively.