BY AMELIA BISCARDI
Daily Post Staff Writer
A smoke shop will not be opening at 3536 Alameda de las Pulgas in West Menlo Park, across from the Dutch Goose, following outcry from nearby residents.
The bright red sign that went up a few weeks ago has been taken down.
County Supervisor Ray Mueller said the owner of the building is “pivoting” after getting blowback from neighbors and will open up a gift shop instead.
Resident Rick Moen previously told the Post that he and other neighbors were ‘blindsided’ by the potential smoke shop. West Menlo Park is not part of the town of Menlo Park, so it is governed by the county. The property is owned by Mostafa Ronaghi, an Atherton resident who previously told the Post that “the city approved it” when asked about the smoke shop.
Mueller, who lives nearby, said the shop had not applied or received a tobacco license from the county. Mueller said the nearby Chevron station already has a tobacco license, and another tobacco license would not be allowed within 500 feet. The smoke shop was within 500 feet.
Mueller asked the county’s planning department to reach out to the owner and reiterate the property does not qualify for a tobacco license. Mueller said the owner has since indicated to the county that a gift shop will likely open up in that store front.
What’s the problem with selling cigarettes? The Dutch Goose, across the street, sells alcohol. Alcohol is more powerful than tobacco.
Smoke shops don’t just sell cigarettes. This store would have sold paraphernalia, with a large, bright red “Smoke Shop” sign. This location is also very close to schools and daycares. That’s why there’s a regulation.