The Montgomery City Council voted on Tuesday to approve a moratorium on opening new package stores, convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops in the city’s corporate limits.

The vote did not come without some pushback from council members, who balked at the idea of halting businesses that are in the process of opening in the city and suggested delaying the moratorium until August. However, those in favor of the resolution touted it as a way of preventing minors from accessing specific products. They also cited Pike Road, Wetumpka, Millbrook, and Prattville as having passed similar moratoriums.  

“I know that we have some people that are working on getting some stores done, and that’s a lot of money,” said Councilwoman Julie Beard. “Like, they’re ready to come to the council within a couple of months, which would be August 1.”

“I have some kids that’s being addicted to these vapes,” replied Councilman Oronde Mitchell. “Now, if you want to put some of these kids off until August the first, right before school start, that we can’t put in committee, I’m fine with it. But, I don’t want to say to a young man or a young lady that’s addicted to vaping, ‘Hey. I’m going to not do what I need to do for your safety due to some people having some stuff that’s in filing.”

District 7 Councilman Andrew Szymanski was also reluctant to pass the resolution, stating, “I’m not really somebody who’s in favor of shutting off entire industries here in our city,” but added, “moving this thing forward is the will of the Council.”

The motion eventually carried, with only a few minutes of scattered discussion amongst the council.  

The resolution halts the city from issuing new permits for the 90-day period while the city reevaluates its permitting process.

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