Politics & Government

Seal Beach Officials Extend Ban on New E-Cigarette Shops

Seal Beach officials say the extension tacks on up to 10 more months and 15 days for city staff to research the pros, cons and potential regulations of electronic cigarettes.

The Seal Beach City Council voted Monday to extend a ban on the opening of new electronic cigarette shops in the city.

At its meeting, the City Council voted 4-1, with Councilman Michael Levitt dissenting, to approve extending a moratorium to stop the approval of new business licenses to e-cigarette retailers, drug paraphernalia retailers and smoke shops for an additional 10 months and 15 days.


"This is a relatively new trend and the provisions are constantly changing, there are various types of pros and cons related to electronic cigarettes," Jim Basham, the city's community development director, said. "The extension of the ordinance will grant staff extra time to analyze whether or not electronic cigarettes should be analyzed based upon the type of classification of zoning designations in our city, whether or not location provisions should be introduced in regards to how close this type of business would be to a school or a playground."

A handful of local businesses owners which neighbor eVolution, a new e-cigarette business that was in the works before the moratorium was originally enacted, told the City Council they are worried about kids loitering in front of their stores.

E-cigarette supporters also addressed the City Council, lending their support to the new business trend.

"I have been smoke free for over two and half years due solely to my use of the electronic cigarette," Robert Casey, who smoked for 23 years, said. "Work with the business owners and create the best ordinance for all parties involved, that may take some time but I do not think it should take 10 1/2 months."

Resident Jason Todrick said the e-cigarette issue is a matter of "life and death."

"E-cigarettes saved my life, there is no doubt in my mind about it," Todrick, whose father died at 63 due in part to smoking, said. "I have not had a cigarette in two years. To deny your citizens a lifesaving device because you're afraid that kids will hang out outside of the store..when was the last time you saw kids hanging out at a bar or a store that sells products they are not allowed to partake in?"

The initial 45-day moratorium, approved in August, made Seal Beach the first city in Orange County to place restrictions on e-cigarette shops.

Basham said the ordinance was prompted by an increase in e-cigarette inquiries by potential business owners in Seal Beach, not solely because of eVolution.

What do you think about the ban on new e-cigarette shops in Seal Beach? Tell us in the comments.

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