Lindenhurst Considers Limiting Hookah Bars, Marijuana Dispensaries, E-Cigarette Shops

LINDENHURST, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's a battle brewing on Long Island, as one village wants a moratorium on new e-cigarette stores. Officials in Lindenhurst say there are too many unanswered health questions.

Lindenhurst residents seem divided over the plan to prevent hookah bars, marijuana dispensaries and any new electronic cigarette stores from opening in the village.

"A lot of these kids are getting a hold of it and they're overdosing on it," said Lorenzo, who favors the plan. "I see them as dangerous... they need to control it somehow."

"It is huge at work and is a growing fad," Lindenhurst customer Albert Augustine told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan.

Some village officials argue these businesses work against their effort to attract more family-friendly business.

Vaping lounges and electronic cigarette stores dot the landscape on Long Island's South Shore. Four dozen recently opened from Valley Stream to Southampton.

Lindenhurst wants to attract more family-friendly businesses and hopes to halt any new vape, hookah bar, or marijuana derivative dispensaries that sell cannabis oil.

"I would rather see nice stores and restaurants in my town, than a vapor store," Victoria Kelly, a Lindenhurst homeowner, told CBS2.

Though the shops are considered "hip," many parents don't like the idea of their proximity to young children.

Some are close to schools, libraries, and neighborhoods. Owners say the industry is mired in misunderstanding.

"I have zero nicotine in there. So I only vapor for the flavor," Boris Kowatschitsch, of Clean Vapor, said. "So this is not nicotine, there is no second-hand smoke."

"You should be able to open up your own business in this state, country. That is what we were founded on," John Lappas, a Clean Vapor employee, said.

Officials said they want a ban because there are too many unknown, unanswered questions.

"I just want to be able to limit and control the ones in the downtown area… we still don't know the long term causes these e-cigarettes," Lindenhurst Deputy Mayor Michael Lavorata said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate e-cigarettes. A public hearing on the plan will be held Tuesday night.