The Kankakee City Council voted unanimously Dec. 1 to extend a six-month moratorium on smoke shops and related businesses until Jan. 31, 2026, giving the committee and administration additional time to develop recommendations. Mayor Curtis said the extension will allow staff to “figure this out” and return with a formal recommendation.

Council members moved to suspend rules and place the extension on final reading the same night; the roll call recorded 13 ayes and 0 nays. The ordinance being extended was described to the council as ordinance 2025-26, which amended chapter 21 of the Kankakee Municipal Code to establish the original six-month moratorium.

City staff told council the additional time is needed to refine regulatory language and address enforcement and licensing questions. The extension sets a new target date for council consideration of recommended code changes in late January; no additional public hearings were scheduled at the Dec. 1 meeting.