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El Centro council extends moratorium on new tobacco retail shops
Summary
The city council voted unanimously to extend an urgency moratorium preventing new or expanding tobacco retail shops while staff drafts permanent code changes to curb retailer clustering near youth‑oriented locations.
The El Centro City Council voted 5–0 to extend an urgency moratorium on new or expanding tobacco retail shops to April 4, 2027, giving staff time to draft and return with permanent ordinance amendments.
Associate Planner Andrea Montana told the council the original urgency ordinance was adopted in April 2025 and was extended on May 20; staff recommended an additional 11‑month extension to allow a thorough code review. Montana said the city uses the designation "tobacco retail shop" for stores that primarily sell paraphernalia and that seven retailers currently meet that exclusive designation, while other convenience stores and gas stations remain regulated differently.
"This will give staff additional time to bring forward an actual ordinance change in order to allow staff to better moderate tobacco shops," Montana said. She cited public‑safety and community‑character concerns tied to clustering of tobacco retailers near youth‑oriented sites, noting a police department report showing multiple retailers within a one‑mile radius of Kennedy Bridal School.
Under the extension, existing tobacco retailers may continue to operate at their current locations, but new retailers, relocations and expansions would be prohibited for the moratorium period. Councilmember (speaker 3) moved the measure and the motion passed on a roll‑call vote.
The extension is temporary; staff said it will meet again with the Community Enhancement Task Force and bring proposed zoning and licensing options back to the council for formal ordinance adoption.
