City Council narrowly reinstates Redondo Smoke Shop business license with conditions and payment

The Redondo Beach City Council voted 3–2 to grant an appeal that reinstates business license number 330177 for the Manhattan Beach Smoke Shop doing business as Redondo Smoke Shop, subject to specified conditions, restitution and inspections.

Council member Barron, who moved to approve the resolution, described the adopted conditions as “very strong,” including an automatic suspension for any violation, required inspections and a $40,000 payment in restitution. “This resolution includes every single thing that any council member and mayor asked for,” Barron said, summarizing enforcement history and the new smoke‑shop ordinance enacted in November 2025.

Council member Obagi supported the motion and emphasized enforcement results to date, saying the city’s approach aims to reduce the number of smoke shops and that prior enforcement had led to license revocations. He added that the $40,000 payment was intended to offset investigation and enforcement costs and help fund future compliance work.

The motion carried after council votes were recorded as 3 in favor, 2 opposed; the item passed as an adopted resolution (recorded in the minutes as Resolution CC‑2603‑012) granting the appeal but reinstating the license only upon completion of certain requirements and subject to new conditions.

The council discussion acknowledged potential litigation risk. Barron noted the city would defend enforcement decisions but said litigation would cost staff time and money. The resolution language seeks to balance enforcement, restitution, and public expectations while using the new smoke‑shop ordinance’s stricter framework for future actions.

What’s next: The resolution memorializes the conditions the business must meet before the license is fully reinstated. Staff will track compliance and enforcement activity; the city attorney’s office is prepared to defend any legal challenge.