Smoking-Lounge Limits Are Tentatively OKd
The City Council on Tuesday tentatively approved an ordinance that would regulate smoking lounges.
The law would establish regulations on the location of cigar lounges, hookah cafes and tobacco bars and would prohibit attendance by those younger than 18, cover charges, live entertainment and alcoholic beverages.
The ordinance is aimed at hookah cafes, where patrons smoke flavored tobacco out of water pipes. Police said they have responded to 499 incidents in the last 2 1/2 years at hookah cafes, including fights, assaults, arson and theft.
The ordinance will be considered for final approval Nov. 8.
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