Cincinnati considers limiting hours for smoking lounges across the city

CINCINNATI —

Cincinnati city leaders are considering a measure that would limit the operating hours of hookah, smoking, and vaping lounges after reports of shootings, drug activity, and late-night crowds linked to these establishments.

Officials have noted that many incidents occur between midnight and 5 a.m., including a recent late-night street takeover outside a Clifton establishment that led to assaults on police officers and crowds blocking access to a fire station. Advertisement

At 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the City Council's Public Safety Committee will review an ordinance proposed by Council Member Mark Jeffreys that would require these lounges to close by 11 p.m. on weekends and 10 p.m. during the week.

The city of Cincinnati does not currently regulate the operating hours of smo