AURORA — City Council on Monday approved the creation of a "socioeconomic impact permit" aimed at businesses the city says disproportionately target lower-income neighborhoods, including liquor stores, vape and smoke shops, pawn shops, rent-to-own stores and convenience stores selling alcohol or tobacco.
The measure passed nearly unanimously, with Councilmember Curtis Gardner casting the lone no vote. An adopted amendment shrinks the required distance between convenience stores that stock healthy food.
Under the ordinance, covered businesses must sit at least 300 feet apart, 1,000 feet from extended-occupancy motels, 2,000 feet from a same-type business and 500 feet from major transit stations. Aurora currently counts 85 liquor stores, 59 vape or smoke shops, 14 pawn shops and 131 convenience stores that sell alcohol or tobacco, per council documents.
Existing businesses are grandfathered in with a free initial permit; afterward the license runs $138 every two years. Operators must also follow Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design standards intended to keep clustered storefronts active, lit and maintained.
