Normal Town Council approves new tobacco shop ordinance

Posted on May 7, 2024

NORMAL – The Normal Town Council voted unanimously on a new ordinance that would require tobacco stores to apply for licenses.

The ordinance is similar to regulations surrounding cannabis dispensaries. Tobacco shops will now have to be 1,500 feet away from each other, and 200 feet away from daycares and schools.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz emphasized she doesn’t want the local government to overreach into business but said, “Your grandpa’s tobacco shop is the not the tobacco shop of today. I think that’s what is causing us to feel like this is in line with what we have done in the past. We have required licenses for vice-like activities.”

There are nine locations this would apply to right now. It does not apply to gas stations, or places that have less than 15% of their display devoted to tobacco products.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy says this will help control the density, while allowing for more licenses in the future. “I think it aligns with the town’s long-standing emphasis on health and wellness and our more recent attempts to limit exposure, sales and consumptions by minors,” McCarthy said.

Unlike the March 4 zoning amendment for tobacco, the new license ordinance would apply to the entire town, not just Uptown Normal. In addition, it is still going through public input and will be addressed by the planning commission before coming back to council for recommendations.

The licensing will be managed by the City Clerk’s Office.

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