Illinois City of Lock Aims to Regulate E-cigarette Shops

Oct.16.2024
Illinois City of Lock Aims to Regulate E-cigarette Shops
Illinois town of Rock Island temporarily bans new e-cigarette shops, causing concern for prospective business owner.

According to a report by WQAD on October 15th, the city of Rock Island in Illinois, United States, will no longer allow newly opened e-cigarette stores to operate in the coming months.


Shop owner Hani Aqel has signed a lease agreement for a building in the city in an effort to attract new customers. However, due to the new e-cigarette ban, he is concerned that the new store will remain deserted for the rest of the year.


I signed a five-year lease and cannot terminate it. If I could terminate it, I would. But for now, I am unable to break free.


Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms stated, "This is not a permanent decision, we just want to take a break and take some time to review the regulations involving e-cigarette stores. See if our wording meets expectations. We have received a lot of requests and do not want to be inundated with a large number of e-cigarette stores, so we have decided to temporarily pause.


The mayor stated that he understands the economic benefits brought by e-cigarette shops, but he does not want this to become the town's only defining characteristic.


Having businesses in a small town is a good thing, and we welcome slot machines, e-cigarette shops, or convenience stores, but everything should be in moderation. Having too much of something can ruin it. It may set the wrong tone for your city or give the city a negative image.


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