There are plans to limit the number and location of tobacco retailers in the city of Madison, Wis., as the city’s planning commission is currently working with a draft ordinance that would prohibit new stores from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, day care centers, health care facilities or residences. In addition, a new tobacco store could not open within 500 feet of any existing tobacco retailers. The city is defining a tobacco retailer as a business that dedicates 20 percent or more of its sales display areas to tobacco products or supplies. Current businesses would be allowed to continue operating and the licenses could be sold to a new owner without requiring a move, provided the business did not cease operation for more than 12 months during the transfer. Channel3000.com reports that an expected recommendation is expected from the commission in April. Madison is the capitol of Wisconsin and the state’s second largest city with a population of just more than 240,000 people. It’s also the county seat of Dane County, located about 80 miles west of Milwaukee.
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