During a recent city council meeting in Blaine, significant discussions centered around amendments to the zoning code and tobacco licensing regulations. Council members addressed the proposed changes to allow sampling in cigar lounges within a specific zoning district, emphasizing that this amendment is merely a clarification of existing laws rather than a new initiative. Council member Larson pointed out that cigar lounges are already operational in other parts of the state, including Saint Paul and Maple Grove, countering claims that the proposed changes were illegal.

Council member Masolia criticized what he described as a \"targeted attack\" on a single business, asserting that sampling of tobacco is already permitted in Blaine and that the current discussions have devolved into political theater. He highlighted the presence of Yalla Tobacco, which operates legally in the area, as evidence of the existing framework for tobacco sampling.

The council also moved forward with a first reading of an ordinance amendment concerning ground-mounted solar systems. Currently, such systems are not permitted in residential districts but are allowed in industrial and planned business districts under conditional use permits. The proposed amendments aim to integrate ground-mounted solar systems as accessory uses in farm residential and residential estate zones, following discussions held in previous workshops.

Additionally, the council reviewed proposed amendments to tobacco licensing, which would introduce caps on the number of licenses issued based on the type of retail establishment. The new regulations would limit grocery stores, convenience stores, and similar outlets to 50 licenses, while exclusive tobacco product stores would be capped at 12 licenses, and establishments primarily selling cigars and pipes would be limited to three licenses. Existing licenses would remain valid, with changes occurring only through attrition.

The council's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to balance business interests with regulatory frameworks, as they navigate the complexities of zoning and public health considerations in Blaine.