Individuals hoping to open a smoke shop in New Britain may soon face a new hurdle.
The City Council, on Wednesday, will consider a petition that would end the automatic right to open a smoke shop in retail districts.
Under a proposed zoning ordinance update, smoke shops would require a special zoning exception granted by town officials.
The proposed rule change would also narrow the definition of smoke shop and tobacco store.
Instead of retail establishments “dedicated” to tobacco, nicotine and smokable products, the zoning change would govern establishments that dedicate 10% or more of their floor space to these activities.
It would also do away with a prohibition of mingling tobacco smoke shops and cannabis retailers.
Attempts to reach a City of New Britain representative regarding the proposal were unsuccessful.
