Palatine village council denies permit for smoke shop

Palatine village council members this week denied a special-use permit for a proposed tobacco and e-cigarette shop.

Tobacco World would have sold tobacco products, vaping devices and accessories to customers 21 and older in a 1,500-square-foot space at 293 N. Northwest Highway in the Village Green Shopping Center.

Council Member Brad Helms objected to the site being operated next door to a martial arts school.

“I don’t think that we would allow this next to any sort of learning center, and I consider this to be a learning center with kids of all ages,” he said at Monday’s meeting.

Palatine resident Joyce Slavik particularly objected to the sale of e-cigarettes in proximity to a location with children.

“These kids are getting hold of this stuff,” she said. “They’re a blight on our community.”

The village also received a letter of opposition citing the risk to children, especially those with allergies and asthma.

The business plan submitted by owner Ali Omer said there would be electronic ID scanning for every sale. There would be no on-site consumption of tobacco or vape products. Nor would CBD products or marijuana sold.

The plan also said there would be 24-hour surveillance and an alarm system, while inventory would be stored securely and away from public access.

It said the business would create local jobs and contribute to the village’s tax revenue.

Omer also noted he ran another store, Prime Smoke, in the Plaza 14 retail center, with no history of code enforcement.