The City of Lloydminster is looking for feedback about their proposed changes to the Draft Business License Bylaw.
The bylaw, which first passed its first reading during the regular session of council on May 9, 2016, proposes changes to the way tobacco retailers are regulated within the Border City.
The changes stipulate that a tobacco retailer must carry on their business from a commercial premise, and not a mobile business unit or a residential dwelling, as well as meeting all federal, provincial, and municipal legislation.
In addition, the City is proposing a new internal grant derived from funds collected under a new fee imposed on tobacco retailers.
“It has become more apparent that as a society, that there is a growing concern relating to the negative health impacts of tobacco,” read the statement from the City.
“In order to encourage a tobacco-free society and in the support of the movement in which the Tobacco Coalition strives for, we will be imposing an additional fee for tobacco retailers. It is proposed that this additional fee be used to support a new internal grant, the Lloydminster Tobacco Reduction Grant (LTRG).”
According to the municipal government, local non-profit organizations are able to apply for annual grant funding derived from the new fee, for initiatives which support a healthier smoke-free city.
The Draft Business License Bylaw may be viewed at www.lloydminster.ca/DocumentCenter/Index/548.
Local businesses, coalitions, advocacy groups and other impacted stakeholders are encouraged to share feedback or request more information by email at [email protected] by Wednesday, June 20.