Missouri City now prohibiting new smoke shops within city limits

The first reading of the ordinance was approved at an Oct. 6 meeting.

How we got here

An initial moratorium was first discussed in July and put in place at an Aug. 11 special meeting, after former District C council member Anthony Maroulis asked staff to review limiting smoke and vape shops in commercially-zoned districts within city limits, Community Impact reported.

Currently, there are 20 smoke shops in Missouri City, compared to nine in Sugar Land and 16 in Rosenberg, per agenda documents.

What else?

City Council also approved the second reading of an ordinance prohibiting package liquor stores—which sell sealed alcoholic beverages for consumption off premises—within local retail districts, which are typically located along major thoroughfares to serve residents' retail needs.

However, local restricted districts and retail districts will still allow package liquor stores, provided such stores receive state permits, according to agenda documents.

The ordinance’s first reading was also approved at the Oct. 6 meeting.