FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – An ordinance aimed at applying stricter regulations on Fresno smokeshops has been shot down, councilmembers announced Thursday. The proposal would have shut down over 100 smoke shops citywide, allowing a maximum of seven per council district and capping the number of businesses at 49. Under the proposed regulations, new smoke shops would have had to follow the same geographical restrictions that are placed on alcohol and cannabis retailers, including being prohibited from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, and daycare centers. Passing of the ordinance would also have limited store hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. According to the proposal's proponents, Arias, Perea and Esparza, many of Fresno's smoke shops have a well-documented history of illegal activity, including the sale of illegal tobacco, cannabis, firearms, prostitution, and gambling. However, despite what the supporting councilmembers call "overwhelming evidence" that these businesses "drain substantial city resources in enforcement efforts" and "pose a significant public health and safety risk," the proposal failed to get a passing majority vote. ...read more read less