On Wired Wednesday, GV Wire senior reporter David Taub talks with KMPH Fox 26 “Great Day” anchor Liz Gonzalez about the recent ruling a federal judge made regarding Fresno smoke shops.

The business owners argued that the regulations violate equal protection under the U.S. Constitution because such rules did not apply to other types of tobacco sellers.

The city countered that 63 of 67 smoke shops previously inspected received citations in one or more of the following categories: flavored tobacco, cannabis sales, illegal gun possession.

Federal Judge Kirk Sherriff agreed with the city’s position and denied a request by the smoke shops to block the implementation of the new rules.

A trial on the regulations is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2027.

Related Story: Federal Judge Upholds Fresno’s Strict Smoke Shop Rules