MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The Montgomery City Council Tuesday night decided to enforce a temporary pause on the opening of certain new businesses in the city.

The temporary moratorium effects business permits for new package stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and vape shops. It will remain in effect for 90 days as the city reassesses its permitting practices.

Similar moratoriums have been passed in Pike Road, Prattville, and Millbrook. Council members say they made the move with the city’s younger generation in mind.

“Just trying to encourage people, young people, not to vape. So a moratorium on it to try and see how we can come in to help our young people not get these illegal purchases,” said District 5 Councilman CC Calhoun.

“I’m not really somebody who’s in favor of shutting off entire industries here in our city,” District 7 Councilman Andrew Szymanski said. “I think it’s something that we could have a little more nuance, on a case-by-case basis, but moving this thing forward is the will of the Council.”

Leaders are also asking for your input. Officials say they want to hear from the public about the future of an unused piece of city property.

Design workshops are scheduled for Thursday to discuss the future of the old Floyd Middle Magnet School. There will be two meetings: one at 10 a.m. and another at 5:30 p.m. Both will be at the Floyd Community Center on Le Bron Road. In addition to discussing future uses for the building, the meetings will also address neighborhood safety and walkability.

Also at Tuesday’s city council meeting, the city reached a resolution with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts board.

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