Waterford enacts 'ambitious' vape restrictions following illegal sales
Waterford Township has implemented strict new regulations on vape shops to curb illegal sales to minors.Summary
Waterford Township's Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a new regulatory framework for vape shops following incidents of illegal sales to minors. The new ordinances cap the total number of vape shops at 17 and prohibit them from operating within 500 feet of schools, religious institutions, daycare centers, or other similar shops.
In addition to location restrictions, businesses will face a $500 annual licensing fee. The township also established a policy where a shop's license can be revoked if they violate state or federal laws, such as selling to minors, three times within a five-year period. These measures follow a police operation where underage decoys caught five smoke shops selling to individuals under 21.
Local officials and some state representatives have praised the move, noting that the licensing fees will fund increased compliance checks. The township's actions mirror proposed state-level legislation that aims to increase penalties for retailers and standardize licensing fees across Michigan.
(Source：Yahoo! News)
