The move comes after the township encountered issues with the clientele at the Sphinx Hookah Lounge at 2720 Washtenaw Ave. The Sphinx's customers were generally men between 18 and 20 years old, Township Planning Director Joe Lawson said, and neighboring businesses regularly called over fights, drinking, loitering, drug use and other related problems.
In October the lounge caught fire and is closed, though it isn't clear if it's shut down permanently.
At its Tuesday night meeting, the Ypsilanti Township Planning Commission recommended approval of new zoning regulations and regulatory measures. The proposed legislation will go before the Board of Trustees for approval at a yet-to-be-determined date.
Lawson said two other hookah lounges are still operating in the township, and he wants regulations on the books to prevent any further issues.
"It's a super simplistic ordinance designed to get our arms around a use not contemplated when the ordinance was written. Questions like 'Where do we want to have them?' And unfortunately, we have to regulate them," he said.
The ordinance's language covers cigar bars, hookah bars, tobacco bars, tobacco lounges, tobacco clubs or zero percent nicotine establishments.
It would require lounges to operate in B3 General Business zones and be at least 2,500 feet from another smoking lounge. All lounge owners would be required to apply for a license from the township.
The ordinance would also require the businesses to close between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m., and require those under 18 years old to be accompanied by an adult. Alcohol, nudity and controlled substances would be prohibited, and shops could face revocation of their license if patrons are loitering or disturbing the peace.
"The ordinance is designed to establish reasonable and uniform regulations to prevent potential adverse impacts relating to these establishments," Lawson said.
Resource: http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2016/01/ypsilanti_township_moves_to_re_1.html
No comments:
Post a Comment