San Jose to consider temporary ban on new smoke shops

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — San Jose city leaders on Tuesday will decide if the city will stop issuing permits for new smoke shops over the next two years.

The measure tries to slow down the explosion of tobacco shops set up over the past several years.

If passed, it will give the city two years to review existing regulations. The legislation could cap the number of tobacco shops and lounges, which city leaders say can be placed where controlled drugs are sold, and sometimes to minors.

San Jose City Councilmember Peter Ortiz said that too often, the tobacco shops are especially concentrated in Latino communities.

Watch the full report in the player above.