EAST PEORIA, Ill. — New rules are being written to regulate smoke and vape shops in East Peoria.
At their regular council meeting last (Tuesday) night, commissioners unanimously approved a lengthy new chapter to the city code, regulating the businesses.
“Literally one was right adjacent to a school, so it actually highlighted a need for us to be able to manage these,” said Commissioner Mark Hill ahead of the vote.
He says there has been a significant uptick in interest from smoke and vape shops to locate in East Peoria and city officials want to at least keep those businesses away from schools and child care centers.
Other regulations will include licensing and fee structures as well.
Smoke and vape shops currently operating in East Peoria will be expected to abide by the newer regulations, but City Attorney Scott Brunton assured during the meeting that those businesses will be given time to comply.
