TOLEDO, Ohio — In an effort to address ongoing concerns about crime and blight surrounding local convenience stores, Toledo City Council members have introduced a new convenience store license requirement. The initiative, which was implemented two years ago, was created to ensure better regulation of stores and improve the safety and appearance of neighborhoods.
The program, introduced by Council Members Theresa Gadus, John Hobbs III, and Vanice Williams, defines a convenience store as an establishment that operates with both a Toledo Lucas County Health Department Retail Food Establishment license and either a State of Ohio C class liquor permit or a State of Ohio tobacco license. To qualify, the store must be under 5,000 square feet. Store owners are required to pay an annual $500 fee and undergo inspections conducted by city staff.
City leaders have described the program as a proactive measure to prevent crime and enhance the community’s overall appearance. Council Member Gadus emphasized the importance of store aesthetics in fostering a safe and inviting environment. “When places look good on the outside, people feel safer, and it brings the community to use those places,” she said.
Since the program’s launch, Gadus has noticed positive changes in her district, such as cleaner surroundings and improved lighting at local stores. “The litter around our convenience stores is gone, when I drive through, they’re tidy, the lighting is great,” she added.
Despite the positive feedback from city officials, local store owners have expressed concerns over the additional regulation. Amit Goyal, whose family owns Short Stop, a local convenience store, questioned the necessity of the program. “The department of taxation has stopped by, the health department stops by, they can shut you down for any of those reasons. On top of that, the city is adding this program,” Goyal said.
City leaders argue that the license program allows for more frequent checks compared to the previous special use permit system for convenience stores. To support this effort, Toledo hired a dedicated convenience store code enforcement officer. City staff have also emphasized that while the program has made strides in improving store conditions, the cost to operate the program is higher than the revenue generated from license fees.
The city has collected approximately $91,000 in fees for the 2024-2025 program year, but leaders have acknowledged that the program is currently running at a deficit. Goyal, along with other store owners, expressed concerns about potential fee increases in future years, as the cost of operating the program outpaces the revenue it generates.
Although no specific plans for fee hikes have been announced, city leaders have assured store owners that they are committed to finding a balance between supporting local businesses and addressing residents’ concerns. In response to the concerns, officials indicated they would arrange additional meetings to discuss the issues raised by business owners.
As Toledo continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the convenience store license program, it remains to be seen whether the city will adjust its approach in response to both business and community needs.