RE: Magic Smoke Shop 

While driving through our beautiful town I noticed signs on the window of 3130 Monroe Avenue indicating a new business moving in: “Magic Smoke Shop- Coming Soon”.

The Town of Pittsford needs to act quickly to stop this store from entering our community by strengthening local ordinances which will ban retailers that create both a health and public safety hazard for its residents.

3130 Monroe Avenue is less than 2 miles away from four of our local high schools; Pittsford-Sutherland, Brighton Highschool, Allendale Columbia and The Harley School. There can be no debate of the health
risks that tobacco and vaping products pose to all demographics. These shops create environments enticing curious minds and their influence on our youth is predatory.

Legislation at the State, County and Town levels can limit where tobacco products are sold, proximity of tobacco retailers to each other, and to homes, schools, and parks via zoning regulations. Sustainable
youth tobacco control requires continuous efforts at many levels.

As we strive for equity and inclusion in our health policy it is important to recognize that commercial tobacco has historically targeted African Americans as well as our LGBTQ+ community. The negative
socioeconomic impact on these groups should be considered.  

A brief google search will point to unlimited articles regarding the public safety issue that surrounds communities with smoke shops. These shops are often targets for robberies and other crime. On April
8, 2023, the New York Post published an article entitled “Smoke shop robberies continue to surge” indicating a 10% increase year over year. Use of guns and illegal sale of cannabis are also cited as
ongoing safety concerns.

I urge you to stop Magic Mike Smoke Shop from opening its doors on Monroe Avenue in the heart of Pittsford by improving current legislation and strengthening our community.

Please sign this petition to let our lawmakers know we need them to act.