Coal City issued a zoning ordinance blocking future tobacco shops

The Village of Coal City has implemented an ordinance to prevent the establishment of new tobacco shops, effective October 9.

According to the ordinance, the area will no longer be zoned for new tobacco-only shops. The Village Board has redefined tobacco shops as those whose primary function is the sale of nicotine and alternative nicotine products. Retailers that sell these products incidentally are not included in this rezoning effort.

This change comes in response to the proliferation of shops primarily dealing in nicotine and related products. Existing tobacco shops will be allowed to continue operations, but no new establishments will be approved. The Zoning Board of Approval (ZBA) recommended that the Board adopt this proposal by a unanimous vote of 6-0.

The President and Board of Trustees determined that eliminating future primary-use tobacco shops was in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of Coal City residents. This decision was based on evidence and testimony provided during a public hearing conducted on October 7 by the ZBA.