The Baltimore County Council passed legislation that regulates and restricts smoke shops.
Under the legislation, a smoke shop must be at least 1,000 feet away from daycare centers, health clinics and schools, and cannot be opened within that distance from an existing smoke shop.
The bill regulates the appearance of smoke shops to remove the flashing lights that have been criticized by many residents.
David Marks praised the Baltimore County Council’s sweeping legislation that regulates and restricts smoke shops.
There are provisions to address existing smoke shops that may be financially impacted by the legislation. Marks said he opposed some of the grandfathering language offered in amendments.
“People expect to see a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses in their communities, not three or four smoke shops in a single block,” Marks said.
“The proliferation of these establishments crowds out other businesses, and the current lighting used by many smoke shops is unappealing for many residents and consumers. I believe this groundbreaking legislation is a positive step forward.”