New Regulations for Vape and Smoke Shops Proposed in West Columbia

New Rules on Vape and Smoke Shops on the Horizon in West Columbia

West Columbia is on the move! City officials are buzzing with ideas about how to manage the growing number of vape and smoke shops in the area. In a recent City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved a new ordinance aimed at limiting where these businesses can set up shop, mimicking regulations already implemented by their Midlands neighbors, Forest Acres and Columbia.

Restrictions Galore!

The proposed rules are looking to create some distance between vape and smoke shops and various community spaces. Specifically, the ordinance will keep these businesses at least 1,000 feet away from residential areas, schools, libraries, and playgrounds. Moreover, they won’t be allowed to open within 500 feet of another vape or smoke shop. Sounds like a big change, right?

In addition to the location restrictions, the new ordinance is aiming to clean up how these businesses can advertise. Say goodbye to those flashy LED lights and provocative ads! The use of words or images that suggest “illicit substances” will be strictly prohibited on signs, which could help in maintaining a more family-friendly atmosphere in West Columbia.

Prior Concerns Raised

This isn’t the first time the council has mulled over the vape shop situation. Just this past summer, members were not too thrilled with a mural of an astronaut painted on the side of Planet Vapor along Sunset Boulevard. Many saw this as a distraction when the council was focused on enhancing local public art rather than promoting vape culture.

Quality of Life and Community Spirit

The spirit behind these regulations is clear. Councilman George Crowe emphasized that this is all about quality of life. He mentioned these measures are meant to maintain the character of the city’s commercial spaces and encourage a diversity of businesses, steering clear from becoming overrun by vape shops.

Another concern expressed by council members revolves around the youth and the accessibility of vaping products. Currently, about 6% of middle and high school students are reported to have vaped in 2024, showing a slight decline from 2023. This has raised alarms about underage individuals walking into vape shops without anyone checking their ID.

Future Measures on the Table

A proposed requirement to check ID cards before entry could be added to the ordinance to assist in preventing underage vaping. While this ID requirement is not currently included in the proposed ordinance, it’s something City Council could consider amending in later readings.

As Councilman Jimmy Brooks pointed out, the lack of ID checks has been a major issue, and this new focus on regulation is meant to tighten those loose ends. After all, it’s a responsibility to protect the youth and the overall health of the community!

Keeping Up with Neighbors

It seems that West Columbia is also keeping an eye on their neighbors. With Forest Acres passing similar regulations in November and Columbia in early 2023, city officials want to ensure they’re not left dealing with a sudden influx of vape shops as others around them raise the bar.

“It was getting a bit of a joke,” Councilwoman Sarah Mattern noted, referring to the eye-popping number of vape shops popping up all around town. “Someone would say there’s a new business opening, and people would laugh, saying, ‘Oh wait, it’s another vape shop!’”

What’s Next?

While the council has moved this ordinance to a second reading for further consideration, existing businesses need not panic just yet—the rules will only apply to new shops opening in the future. As this ordinance moves forward, it’s clear West Columbia is determined to maintain a vibrant and diverse community, while keeping everyone’s best interests at heart!

Stay tuned, West Columbia! Changes might be around the corner, but they are all in the name of improving your neighborhood!