(El Centro City Council made the decision last week)....The City Council was considering extending the moratorium 45 days.

The City's moratorium is on Tobacco and Smoke Shops in the City. The Council said they were concerned with health issues and how they affected residents. During the hearing it was brought up there were more than health issues to discuss. Critics said the shop attracted loiterers and possibly a bad eliminant. The Council then decided to extend the moratorium through April 7, 2026 to discuss and clarify all issues. One shop owners said that was not fair, because not all shops were bad. He said his shop did not sell tobacco, did not tolerate loitering, and chased away drug addicts and other similar types. His plea did not affect the council's decision.