Rancho Cordova Bans New Hookah Lounges While Reviewing E-Cig Plan
RANCHO CORDOVA (CBS13) — The city of Rancho Cordova has voted to ban new hookah lounges in the city while the city reviews smoking ordinances.
As e-cigarettes become more popular, cities are looking to rewrite their smoking regulations. In Rancho Cordova's case, hookah lounges could be part of those new rules.
"Tobacco isn't illegal," said Andrew Shi who works at Hookah Lounge. "It's a good business, a good environment. It tailors to the people."
But new lounges won't be allowed to open for at least the next 45 days.
"These types of businesses, we have no regulation over what kind of out-gassing they are doing, what kind of filtration systems they have, any of that," said Councilman Donald Terry.
All of these changes stem from e-cigarettes and their lack of regulation.
While the city is considering banning e-cigarettes, the City COuncil says hookah lounges need to be looked at, too, and the ban will buy them some time while they figure out what new smoking laws will look like.
"We have not hesitate in rancho cordova, to defend ourselves against businesses that can be damaging to our over all businesses climate or the quality of life of our residences," said Councilman David Sander.
The owner of one hookah lounge didn't want to go on camera, but says business is tough as is and more regulation will just make it harder. Another says the city will end up driving tax dollars away.