Confused about where vape and smoke shops can and can’t operate around Columbia? We made a list.
A guide outlining various local regulations for vape and smoke shops across the Midlands region.Summary
Regulations for vape and smoke shops vary significantly across the Midlands due to differing city and county ordinances. In Columbia, shops cannot open within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, parks, or religious institutions, and cannabis retailers must provide specific warnings. Forest Acres has implemented similar 1,000-foot buffers and is considering further restrictions in the Covenant Crossing area. Irmo requires special exceptions from the zoning board and mandates a 1,000-foot distance from schools, healthcare centers, and religious organizations. West Columbia has implemented strict zoning, including a 1,000-foot buffer from residential properties and a 500-foot buffer between shops, alongside specific operating hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. While Richland and Lexington Counties currently lack overarching regulations, individual municipalities like Cayce, Lexington, and Blythewood have varying levels of oversight or are considering new restrictions.
(Source：Post and Courier)
