The Pewaukee Plan Commission voted to recommend that the Common Council approve a conditional use permit for Smoke Express LLC (proposed tenant in the Crossroads shopping center) to operate a vape and tobacco retail store, subject to staff conditions including adherence to sign standards, hours limited to 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., periodic review and compliance with other governmental approvals.

Planning staff described the business as a 2,113-square-foot retail space proposing hours of operation Monday through Sunday. Staff recommended approval with conditions that the applicant obtain all other required governmental approvals, restrict hours to not extend past 10 p.m., ensure signage meets city standards, and prevent interior promotional displays from being positioned to be visible from the exterior.

Commissioners expressed a range of views. One commissioner said, "I don't see any value in this for the community. None at all," and said they would oppose any inclusion of CBD products; another commissioner said the city should be the place where people can obtain regulated CBD safely, arguing it could reduce risk from illicit or adulterated products. The applicant representative told the commission they intend to source products responsibly and provide trained employees to prevent underage sales.

Commissioners emphasized enforcement of the city's sign standards and said a conditional use could be rescinded if disallowed exterior signage or flashing displays appeared. A motion to recommend approval to the Common Council with the conditions set by staff passed by voice vote; the transcript records at least one commissioner voting in opposition. The application will advance to the Common Council for a public hearing and final decision.