Lawrence City Leaders Consider Tightening Tobacco Licensing Rules

Lawrence city leaders are considering strengthening tobacco licensing rules to limit where businesses can locate and crack down on sales to minors. During a meeting, Mike Courtney noted that Lawrence has a higher density of tobacco retailers per person than Las Vegas. The commissioners agreed that the city should move forward with these changes, potentially starting with a temporary moratorium on new licenses.

The city is looking to implement substantive changes to its tobacco licensing ordinance, which is enforced by Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. This regulatory action could increase the enforcement burden and operational scope of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health.