Smoke Shops Restrictions: Johns Creek City Planners Want More

JOHNS CREEK, GA — The City of Johns Creek wants to restrict an expansion of smoke shop businesses after the City has seen a growth.

At a Feb. 8 Planning Commission meeting, members unanimously approved a text amendment to the City’s zoning code. It includes distance restrictions and limits the business to only one zoning district. The amendment, which also includes a definition of smoke shops to prevent business owners from finding loopholes, now needs City Council approval.

The amendment defines smoke shops as, “Any business establishment that dedicates to the display, sale, distribution, delivery, offering, furnishing, marketing or use of tobacco, tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products/instruments, or any combination thereof, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, hookahs, vapes.”

There are currently 10 smoke shops operating in the City, said Community Development Deputy Director Yang Chen. She said in her presentation that it’s an increase from the eight in 2019. The shops are located along major roadways and in commercial areas, she said.

On Aug. 30, 2021, the mayor and Council imposed a six-month moratorium on accepting and processing business tax certificates, building permit applications and approving new vape and smoke shops.

The city conducted research on how surrounding cities and counties regulated smoke shops, Chen said. She said rather than impose a ban, they decided to find ways to regulate it.

The amendment is on the agenda for the Feb. 28 City Council meeting.