The proposal would also prohibit a new shop from opening within 750 feet of another business selling nicotine products. It would define tobacco and nicotine retailers as a distinct use in the city’s zoning code, which governs where businesses and other developments may locate.

The bill would require shops to keep at least 90% of their storefront windows transparent and unobstructed, limiting the use of signs or posters to cover the view inside. Existing businesses could stay in their current locations, even if they are near a school or another protected site.

Gilmore Richardson, an at-large Democrat, said during Thursday’s City Council meeting that businesses had continued to find ways around efforts to address what she called neighborhood nuisances. “Despite all of our best efforts, which have been aggressive, these businesses continue to find loopholes to continue harming our neighborhoods,” she said.

The councilmember said state law prevents Philadelphia from deciding where tobacco products may be sold, but the city can use zoning rules to regulate where businesses are allowed to open. Under current city rules, tobacco retailers are generally treated like other retail businesses, with some separate limits enforced by the Health Department.

If enacted, the measure would reduce the number of properties where new smoke shops could operate. It has not yet received a full Council vote and must first be considered by a committee.

The bill follows a separate zoning proposal Gilmore Richardson introduced in September to create more precise definitions for businesses selling food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, groceries, convenience-store goods and sundries. That measure is under review by Council’s Committee on Rules.