A business owner addresses the city council on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

DEARBORN — Local business owners are urged to attend a smoking lounge meeting being held by city officials on Tuesday, February 3 at 7.p.m. at the Dearborn Administrative Center.

The meeting concerns a new smoking lounge ordinance that is being finalized by the city, which could impact local businesses.

The ordinance is expected to go for a final reading and approval at the next city council meeting on Tuesday, February 10.

Frustrated business owners and residents took the podium at the city council meeting held on January 27 to share their concerns regarding the smoking lounge ordinance. 

Arguments erupted between council members, the mayor and local residents who were questioning whether hookah could be classified as “herbs” rather than “tobacco” products. 

City Council President Susan Dabaja said she was looking to schedule a study session before the ordinance goes for a final approval, to determine whether the city will make an exception for “herbal” hookah, among several other issues. 

The new ordinance will require businesses to obtain a state exemption in order to operate a legal hookah bar in the city. 

It will also enforce a strict 18 and over age policy, due to concerns of under-age smoking at current lounges.

 The ordinance follows a six month moratorium which outlawed new hookah lounges from opening in the city. 

Business owners will also be debating whether hookah is classified as “tobacco” or as “herbs” and how the terms will play a factor into the new ordinance. 

The city of Dearborn is not the first city looking to pass a smoking lounge ordinance. The new ordinance will closely mirror ones that have been passed in Arburn Hills, Shelby Township and West Bloomfield.