Edgemont Village is a growing community that already supports many different local businesses. “Smoke 2 Snack” is a legal, licensed retailer that would have to follow strict rules, including age restrictions and ID checks for every purchase. These laws are already in place to make sure these products are only sold to adults.

Blocking a business like this just because of what it sells doesn’t feel fair or consistent. Other stores that sell age-restricted products are allowed to operate as long as they follow the rules, and this should be no different.

This shop would also bring jobs and add to the local economy while serving adult customers who are legally allowed to buy these products. Having more variety in local businesses is part of what keeps a community active and growing.

Concerns about youth access are valid, but that comes down to enforcing the laws that already exist, not preventing a legal business from opening in the first place