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Johns Creek passes moratorium on smoke and vape shop permits By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Citing public health, quality of life and aesthetics, the Johns Creek City Council approved a six-month moratorium on accepting and processing new smoke and vape shop business tax certificates and building permit applications. at their Aug. 30 meeting. During his presentation to the council Aug. 30, Community Development Director Ben Song reported that 10 such shops currently exist within Johns Creek and that the city had received seven inquiries for new shops in August. The proposal suggested a portion of the six-month period be used by staff
to research zoning regulation and meet with nearby jurisdictions to discuss the perceived issue. Councilman Chris Coughlin and Councilwoman Stephanie Endres cast nay votes on the moratorium saying they did not like the precedent set by regulating the free market. Coughlin also referenced a study out of San Francisco. He said the study showed that when vape products are more regulated, it encourages use of traditional cigarettes. City Council members have attempted to address the increase in smoke and vape shops within Johns Creek for years, including the implementation
See PERMITS, Page 21
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
Cloud 9 Smoke & Vape on Medlock Bridge Road is one of 10 smoke and vape shops in Johns Creek.
Innovation Academy welcomes students to new campus
SPECIAL/FULTON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
Veteran recounts years of service
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District cuts ribbon on new middle school
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Cities announce plans for 9/11 remembrances
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Cutting the ribbon at the Aug. 31 grand opening of the Fulton County Innovation Academy in downtown Alpharetta are, from left, Fulton County School Board member Linda McCain, Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, school board member Katie Reeves, Principal Tim Duncan, school board members Kimberly Dove and Katha Stuart, Alpharetta Mayor Jimmy Gilvin, Superintendent Mike Looney and State Rep. Chuck Martin.
Nonprofit promotes green lifestyle changes
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