Dunwoody’s Vape Crackdown Poised To Snuff Out Stand-Alone Shops

Dunwoody is moving toward a citywide crackdown on stand-alone vape shops, advancing a proposed ordinance that would sharply limit where electronic-nicotine retailers can set up shop. The measure cleared its first reading at the April 27 City Council meeting and is slated for a final vote next Monday. If it passes, the rule would effectively bar dedicated vape retailers from Dunwoody Village, the Perimeter Center districts and most other commercial areas. The draft ordinance spells out a strict definition of a vape shop, requiring that a business qualify if at least 25% of its retail sales come from alternative-nicotine products or if at least 25% of its interior floor space is devoted to those items. Grocery stores, convenience stores and traditional tobacco retailers would be exempt from the restriction. The City Council first hit pause on new permits in February, adopting a 90-day moratorium so staff could craft tighter land-use rules. On the council, the measure has sparked a philosophical fight over whether this is smart zoning or a backdoor ban. The Dunwoody Planning Commission narrowly declined to recommend the ordinance in a 3-2 vote. Neighboring cities like Alpharetta and Milton have already moved to limit stand-alone vape retailers, setting a precedent for Dunwoody's approach. The council is scheduled to take a final vote next Monday. Supporters say the change would curb youths' exposure to shops devoted to nicotine products, while critics counter that it singles out one type of retailer and could set the city up for legal challenges.

(Source：Hoodline)