Riverbank confronts business moratoriums again

City leaders are poised Tuesday to extend temporary bans on new stores selling drug paraphernalia and on new hookah, e-cigarette and vapor lounges.

The City Council also will consider an outright prohibition on Internet cafe gambling, which already is illegal under state law.

The council’s curious use of moratoriums to stifle certain businesses began in late September with a 45-day ban on new tattoo shops, followed by similar restrictions on proposed e-tobacco lounges, drug paraphernalia sales and Internet gambling in late October. Hoping not to appear business-unfriendly, the council in October extended the tattoo ban six months rather than one year as suggested by city staff.

The moratoriums are giving staff time to prepare zoning proposals showing where such businesses might be allowed throughout Riverbank. Those recommendations should come up for debate at the council’s Jan. 13 meeting, a new report says.

Previous reports claimed that tattoo shops are associated with gangs and drug activity, and warned of children being exposed to tobacco products.

Tuesday’s council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the chamber at 6707 Third St. For more information, see http://bit.ly/15haBh8.

This story was originally published November 24, 2014 at 2:07 PM with the headline "Riverbank confronts business moratoriums again."