![]() The regulation would not allow these businesses to open anywhere but the most permissive zoning districts in the city, which are clustered downtown and tend to command higher rents. The bill clarifies the kind of permit hookah or cigar bars need to operate, which could simplify things for operators.īut there is another provision that has broader implications for any smoking lounges, a category that includes places for vaping or smoking of any tobacco product. The proposed legislation, introduced by Northeast Philadelphia Councilmember Bobby Henon on the last day of the spring session, would add “smoking lounges” to the zoning code. Complaints about fights, loud music, and parking resulted in inspections that found violations of zoning and liquor laws.Īt least three other hookah bars in the Northeast were shut down by the city over similar issues in 2019.Īnd now, a bill slated for consideration in City Council this fall aims to make it harder to open a hookah establishment in much of the city.įriends Cafe, a hookah lounge on Castor Avenue has been shuttered while it applies for a special exception for a hookah lounge from the Philadelphia zoning board. The civic association’s membership voted unanimously four times against Castor Avenue hookah bar owners seeking permits. ![]() WHYY thanks our sponsors - become a WHYY sponsor ![]()
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