Paterson law went after vape shops. Here's what else was affected
A new Paterson, NJ law intended to regulate vape shops has unexpectedly impacted bodegas and liquor stores, requiring them to obtain additional licenses.Summary
A new law in Paterson, New Jersey, aimed at regulating vape shops and preventing sales to children, has unintentionally affected other businesses that sell tobacco products. Bodegas and liquor stores were surprised to learn they also needed to obtain city smoke shop licenses, costing $1,200, despite already holding state licenses. City council members expressed similar surprise, as the ordinance’s title specifically mentioned “smoke shops.” The issue stems from the law’s broad definition of a smoke shop as any business advertising or earning over $1,000 monthly from smoking products. City officials have pledged to revise the law to clarify its scope and avoid burdening unintended businesses. While some, like smoke shop owner Juan Santos, argue for equal treatment of all tobacco retailers, the city aims to amend the ordinance to focus solely on the originally intended targets.
(Source：Northjersey.Com)
