05-20-19-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COLTNCIL WORK SESSION - May 20,2019 Mayor Grant stated that he felt 2l has to stay but enacting the flavor ban will essentially be forcing stores with 90o/o of their sales from tobacco out of businesses. He didn't want to force a business out of business. Councilmember Scott echoed the Mayor's thoughts. His intent on passing the ordinance wasn't to punish businesses but to protect the kids. He would be receptive to looking at an exception for a tobacco only retail store. Councilmember Holmes said she had originally wanted to exempt tobacco stores because youth can't go into the stores. Councilmember McClung was comfortable with the ordinance as is was amended. Councilmember Holden commented that she is interested in extending the ordinance for flavor in90oh businesses until the expiration of their lease. Councilmember McClung suggested a compromise to delay implementation of the total flavor ban of the 90%o tobacco business for one year, recognrzing they have created a hardship for that business. He would prefer to not reopen the ordinance. Mayor Grant offered the compromise to grandfather in this particular business but if they go out of business or move they would not be replaced. Councilmember McClung said he understood that they could extend the grace period for a store that derives90o/o or more of their revenue from tobacco products to get them through the end of their lease. Councilmember Holden didn't like the idea of a grandfather clause. Councilmember Holmes said it isn't just the cost of the lease, it's also moving, goodwill. Not knowing how much of the inventory was flavored, she didn't realize the ordinance would put the shop out of business. She felt they should grow the City's businesses as well as protect the youth but the tobacco store doesn't allow youth in the door. Mayor Grant noted that they want to keep the businesses that have invested in the community. Although he wished there wasn't a health aspect to this situation. Councilmember Holden said going backwards isn't right and they shouldn't be revisiting this. Mayor Grant wondered if they truly understood the amount of flavor at the shop and factor it all in? He felt they made a mistake, but if a majority still think it's right then it will stand. He said if we give them five years that gives them time to plan to move, potentially capture the clientele and move them with the business, but a year may be tough. He felt a year was too short for the business to plan. Councilmember Holmes reiterated that she didn't think they were putting the store out of business when they took the original vote, she didn't vote to put them out of business.