Politics & Government

West Bloomfield Smoking Lounge Ordinance Moves Forward

Lounges would be required to close by 2 a.m. if the new rules are enacted.

West Bloomfield Township officials on Monday introduced new rules for smoking lounges, after extending a May 20 moratorium enacted to give officials time to set up regulations for those businesses. 

Officials took up the issue after the township received requests to establish two new hookah lounges, where patrons smoke fruit-flavored tobaccos in water pipes. The State of Michigan's 2010 ban on smoking in restaurants and bars allowed exceptions for cigar bars, casinos and tobacco retail specialty shops, which include hookah lounges. 

Township supervisor Michele Economu Ureste said she had visited a hookah lounge and found it to be "a very nice facility". 

"The younger generations will be drawn to these establishments, and I know the board has talked about having somewhat of a night life in West Bloomfield," she said. "We don't necessarily want them everywhere, but those that are here, we hope they will be successful." 

Township treasurer Teri Weingarden said West Bloomfield's hookah lounges are "class act" locations.  

The proposed regulations set out guidelines for licensing, allow officials to inspect the premises, prohibit outdoor seating or events, and require lounges to close at 2 a.m. The ordinance would take effect immediately if it is approved at a future township meeting. 

The Oakland Press reported Sept. 3 that Southfield officials have also enacted a moratorium and intend to create regulations. 


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