Dunwoody looks to ban vape shops

The Dunwoody City Council is moving forward with an ordinance that would prohibit vape shops within the city limits. The first reading of the proposed ordinance was held on April 27, and the second and final reading is scheduled for May 11. The ordinance defines a vape shop as a business where 25 percent or more of retail sales come from alternative nicotine products or where at least 25 percent of floor space is dedicated to these products. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and traditional tobacco stores are excluded from the ban. Currently, there are no restrictions on where stand-alone vape shops can locate. The proposed ban would apply to nonresidential and mixed-use zoning districts, Dunwoody Village, and all Perimeter Center districts. Councilman John Heneghan questioned the necessity of a total ban, asking, "Are we a nanny society?" Councilman Joe Seconder, who proposed the ban, stated that the intent is to regulate land use, not personal behavior. He argued that stand-alone vape shops are inherently visible and accessible, making spacing requirements ineffective. The Dunwoody Planning Commission voted 3-2 against recommending the ordinance for approval in April, with concerns about the inclusion of CBD and delta 8 THC products and the distinction between vape shops and other dangerous uses like gun sales. This proposal follows similar actions by other nearby cities, including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Milton.

(Source：Appen Media)