What’s up with the Smoke Shop across from the Dutch Goose?

That’s the question a number of InMenlo readers have been emailing. We contacted Supervisor Ray Mueller about it. Here is his statement (please read to the end).

“I have the following information to report to the community on this topic. I am the San Mateo County Supervisor who serves this area. The new smoke shop in West Menlo Park has not applied or been granted a license to sell tobacco by the County of San Mateo. The license is required.

“Under the County of San Mateo tobacco retailer ordinance, new tobacco retailers are not eligible to receive a license within 500 feet of a current tobacco retailer licensee. This location is located within 500 feet of a current licensee located at the Chevron station.

“Additionally, under the County of San Mateo tobacco retailer ordinance, a new tobacco retailer is not eligible for a license if they are located within 1000 feet of youth center where children congregate. My belief is the dance studio qualifies as a such youth center. Additionally it is my belief that the University Heights Montessori Children’s Center also qualifies as a youth center. I also have asked the County to use its method of calculation to determine if Phillips Brooks and La Entrada also fall within 1000 feet.

“Finally, I have informed the County of my intention to bring an urgency ordinance to the Board of Supervisors on November 19, that would prohibit the opening of new tobacco retailer locations within 1000 feet of well-travelled routes children travel to school. The exact language of the ordinance will be crafted over the two weeks.”