The Los Angeles City Council approved an interim ordinance Wednesday prohibiting new smoke and vape shops in the 15th Council District while officials explore long-term regulations to address the proliferation of the businesses.
Council members voted unanimously to support the ordinance, proposed by Councilmember Tim McOsker, who represents the Harbor Area and Watts communities. The ordinance suspends the process and issuance of land-use approvals and tobacco retailer permits for new smoke and vape shops — in particular near schools, parks, daycare centers, houses of worship and other sensitive uses.
The Interim Control Ordinance takes effect immediately upon publication and will remain in place for 45 days, with extensions available under state law.
McOsker said he sought the measure after hearing concerns from his constituents.
“While the city evaluates long-term solutions, it is prudent to pause the approval of new locations and ensure we have the right tools in place to prevent over-concentration,” McOsker said in a statement. “This ordinance allows us to take a closer look at how these businesses are regulated and develop policies that better protect our communities while providing clear and consistent standards moving forward.”
Unlike cannabis businesses, which are subject to extensive zoning and permitting requirements, smoke and vape shops can establish operations in many areas through ministerial approvals with limited land-use review, according to McOsker’s office.
The Department of City Planning has found that Los Angeles has more than 3,000 licensed tobacco retailers, and nearly half of public schools citywide have a tobacco retailer located within 500 feet.
A report by planning officials also found that the 15th Council District ranked among the highest council districts for new tobacco retailer permits, with 21 new permits issued in 2025.
The report identified concerns regarding the proximity of tobacco retailers to schools and other sensitive uses throughout the district.
“Our students at Banning High and neighboring schools are doing their part to succeed by showing up and working hard every day,” Alicia Baltazar of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment and Reclaim Our Schools L.A. said in a statement.
“It is up to us to do our part to support their efforts by providing safe passages to and from school. The presence of smoke shops creates an environment that undermines the work we have done to fulfill that bare minimum obligation,” Baltazar added.
Following McOsker’s motion, the council directed the Department of City Planning to report back on the findings necessary to pursue similar restrictions throughout Los Angeles.
“This is not just a Council District 15 issue,” McOsker said in his statement. “The city’s analysis demonstrates that tobacco retailer concentration is a challenge in communities across Los Angeles. I look forward to working with the council on a broader citywide strategy.”
Planning officials examined regulatory approaches adopted by jurisdictions including Redondo Beach, San Francisco, New York City and Long Beach, where local governments have implemented density controls, separation requirements and enhanced permitting standards to reduce youth access and prevent over-concentration.