Tobacco.org

Tobacco shops dodge ban 

When Hookah Bliss was forced to close in the spring because of the state indoor smoking ban, the community rallied behind the establishment in hopes of keeping it open.

But the ban is not keeping new tobacco shops from coming to the area.

Smoke Rings, a tobacco shop, opened in Hookah Bliss’ old spot on Franklin Street earlier this month.

Shop employees declined to comment and the store lacks a website. Some say the shop is a chain with other locations in North Carolina.

Expressions, a tobacco shop in the downtown Bank of America building, will be opening a new hookah lounge in the coming weeks as an extension of its existing store.

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