A moratorium on the opening of hookah lounges in Hall County that is set to expire in August is now expected to be extended until October 10.
Hall County commissioners agreed Monday to place the moratorium's extension on the consent agenda for Wednesday's commission voting session. The commission will also vote Wednesday on a newly proposed moratorium to prevent the opening of new vape shops or lounges until the same date.
Hall County Planning Director Srikanth Yamala said the county's planning staff needs more time to examine non-traditional tobacco sales.
"We have completed our initial research, if you will, on some of the regulations that we'll propose to bring forward as part of the new ordinance," Yamala said. "We also want to look at every single non-traditional tobacco products, you know, like the vape lounges, vape shops and so forth," Yamala said.
Yamala said the goal is to present one ordinance that will govern hookah and vape lounges and stores to the commission. There are currently no hookah lounges in Hall County, but District Four Commissioner Jeff Stowe said there are three active vape shops.
