A divided Hoover City Council voted for a moratorium on certain businesses, citing a need to preserve the city's suburban character. The vote was 4-3. The city will not issue new business licenses for vape stores, pawn shops, tattoo parlors, and car title or payday lenders. Supporters expressed concerns about a proliferation of the businesses, contending that they threaten the city's suburban character. Opponents disputed claims that the establishments are a quality-of-life problem, and argued that the moratorium was an example of governmental overreach. The moratorium was proposed by Councilman Casey Middlebrooks. Councilmen Curt Posey, Derrick Murphy and John Greene joined Middlebrooks in approving the moratorium, while Councilmen Mike Shaw, John Lyda and Gene Smith were opposed.