Dunwoody looks to ban vape shops

The Dunwoody City Council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit vape shops within the city. The first read of the proposed ordinance was held at the April 27 council meeting, with the second and final reading scheduled for May 11. The ordinance defines a business as a vape shop if 25 percent or more of its total retail sales come from alternative nicotine products, consumable vapor products, vapor devices or smoking devices, or if at least 25 percent of its interior floor space is dedicated to displaying, selling or renting those products. Grocery stores and convenience stores that already sell vapes are excluded, as are traditional tobacco stores that sell cigars and cigarettes. The proposed ordinance would prohibit vape shops in nonresidential and mixed-use zoning districts, Dunwoody Village and all Perimeter Center districts. Councilman John Heneghan asked why a total ban was necessary when vapes are already sold in every gas station in Dunwoody, asking, "Are we a nanny society?" Councilman Joe Seconder, who proposed the ban, said in a letter to Planning Commission members that the intent of the ordinance is to regulate land use, not personal behavior. He noted that vaping and alternative nicotine products are increasingly used by teenagers and are often marketed in ways that appeal to minors. In a 3-2 vote April 14, the Dunwoody Planning Commission failed to recommend the ordinance for approval. Those opposed said CBD and delta 8 THC products should be included in the ordinance. Another concern was that vape shops should not be regulated differently from other uses considered dangerous, such as gun sales.

(Source：Atlanta News First)