6/4/13 - The Brighton Township Board met Monday night to discuss a new hookah lounge. In a 6-1 vote, members approved a 60-day moratorium on accepting any new applications. The Oasis Hookah Lounge is already going in next to a tobacco shop in the strip mall located at the corner of Grand River and Old US-23 but the township has fielded some additional inquiries from interested parties. Manager Brian Vick reported that hookah establishments are growing in popularity and itâs not something municipalities had to contend with in the past but there are a fixed number of licenses available from the state so really, a community canât become inundated with tons of new applications. However he says the hours of operations, zoning districts and particular uses have been brought up and felt it would be appropriate for the board and planning commission to institute a moratorium and examine ordinances before continuing to move in a particular direction. Since Oasis will be locating in an existing building and the anticipated use is already permitted under current ordinance, it was not required to go before the board or commission. Thereâs an agreement to transfer the state issued license from the tobacco shop to the new establishment, as the owners are related. There were a number of questions raised by board members but Trustee Mike Slaton was the only member to vote against the moratorium, saying he felt sufficient protections are already in place as businesses must follow state rules and regulations along with local ordinances. Trustee Patrick Michel said he wasnât concerned so much about signage or the business being open after-hours but potential sales to minors, health department issues and enforcement. It was noted that multiple agencies would be involved with enforcement such as the county health and building departments or police if any criminal activity surfaced. (JM)
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