20 March 2025
By Brittany Schaefer, WTNH.com
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Opening a new smoke shop in New Haven just got more difficult.
A new ordinance was signed into law Thursday comes with a list of restrictions, from advertising to zoning.
An hour after the ordinance was signed, building and zoning enforcement delivered these notices to smoke shops with new violations.
“Smoking-related merchandise cannot be seen from the public right of way. We also limit the type of lighting that can be used, limited flash, shimmering, glittering,” New Haven Planning Department Exec. Dir. Laura Brown said.
The ordinance also restricts new smoke shops from opening, with currently 212 of them in New Haven alone. New establishments cannot open within 1,000 feet of a school or place of worship and cannot open within 3,000 feet of another tobacco seller.
A city map showing just one location left in the long wharf neighborhood.
“People can do business in our community but they have to follow the rules,” Mayor Justin Elicker said.
Tobacco sellers must also get a $150 license from the city every year, separate from the state’s, with annual inspections.
Health Director Maritza Bond said they will first inform and educate businesses and then focus on enforcement.
“Ensuring they have a valid license issued by the New Haven Health Department and State of Connecticut to sell the products. Licenses clearly visible and also signage that states they cannot sell products to anyone under 21,” Bond said.
Fine violations will range from $150 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 every subsequent with potential suspension or closure. Residents can also file complaints through the health department anonymously.
Bond said their focus is protecting residents especially New Haven youth.
“We can monitor marketing and do compliance checks to ensure sale of tobacco or vaping products are being sold to those over 21 years of age is so vital,” Bond said.
News 8 went into a dozen smoke shops in the Elm City Thursday, but all declined to speak with us on camera about the new regulations.