Richmond proposes 45-day moratorium on smoke shops over regulatory concerns [Video]

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) — Richmond’s mayor says that his city has the potential to become the East Bay’s smoke shop capital with 78 licensed tobacco retailers.

“That’s too many. That is too many smoke shops,” says Muriel Crumwell, a life-long Richmond resident.

Crumwell is a smoker, who was parked outside of a smoke shop. But even she still thinks the city can cut back.

“It would be a good idea. Why would we have all these smoke shops? It’s just making people want to smoke. Creating bad habits to be honest,” says Crumwell.

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According the statistics provided by the city, there are more than two places to buy tobacco per square mile in Richmond. Mayor Eduardo Martinez is proposing a 45-day moratorium on new permits and licenses.

“We need the moratorium so that we have the space and the …