The Milwaukee Common Council has taken a unanimous step to bring local hookah lounges under the same regulatory umbrella as other entertainment venues. According to a recent ordinance sponsored by multiple council members, including Alderman Peter Burgelis and Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, these establishments will now require a public entertainment premises license. Previously not classified in this manner, hookah lounges will, as a result of this decision, undergo the same scrutiny as venues offering different forms of recreation and amusement, when it comes to safety and zoning, as reported by the City of Milwaukee's official news release.
"This ordinance helps ensure consistency in how these venues are regulated, promoting safety, accountability, and neighborhood compatibility," voiced Licenses Committee Chair Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, reflecting an aim for standardization that, echoing community demands, have placed a priority. The update seeks to tighten the regulatory framework within which these hookah-serving venues operate, aligning them with the city's evolving entertainment scene and its associated standards for public spaces, as per the City of Milwaukee's official news release.
The legislation extends the definition of "public entertainment premises" to include establishments providing "hookah service," according to the City of Milwaukee document. This broad category includes activities such as rental or complimentary use of a hookah provided by the venue, setting a stage for improved oversight. Milwaukee Mayor Johnson's approval is pending for the ordinance, which is slated to come into force 90 days following the mayor's signature.
In a move aimed at furthering community health, Alderman Peter Burgelis pointed out the limitations faced by the city in amending the tobacco use age ordinance to 21, due to state law constraints. "We heard from our City Attorney's Office that we are legally unable to correct our city ordinance age for tobacco use to 21. I'll introduce that again as soon as Madison corrects its flawed state law," he stated, signaling Milwaukee's ongoing commitment to legislative efforts for promoting a healthier community on the local level, as reported by the City of Milwaukee.
