Smoke clears as Smoke Shop ordinance passes

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno City Council voted to pass the Smoke Shop Text Amendment into law back in April, and it will officially take effect on June 5, 2025.

Several smoke shops that failed to pass inspection by selling illegal products or meet other health code violations will be forced to close down.

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Smoke shops will now have to follow these new guidelines to continue business.

New and existing smoke shops will have to apply for a Conditional Use Permit and Business Tax License.

There is also a limit that only 7 smoke shops can be in one district at a time, so if the number of applicants exceeds the number of CUPs, the city will hold a lottery.

Smoke shops will also not be allowed within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, day care centers, youth facilities, and other smoke shops.

New advertisement restrictions will be put in place, and violations of those restrictions will lead to a $1,000 fine per offense.

Security plans need to be approved by the Fresno Police Department, and any sales to minors will be met with $2,500 per offense.