Southgate City Council has voted unanimously to pass a vape zoning amendment — Ordinance 26-06 — which establishes clear, enforceable standards for electronic smoking in and around retail stores otherwise known as “vape shops.”
On April 14, the Campbell County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing to review the proposed text and recommend approval. After that hearing, the first official reading of the ordinance occurred at the Southgate City Council meeting on May 20. These public presentations were required before amendment vote at the scheduled City Council meeting on June 3.
“Unanimous passage of Southgate’s vape zoning ordinance reflects our commitment to protecting our residents, especially our kids, from the harmful effects of tobacco and e-cigarette use,” said Southgate Mayor Jim Hamberg. The provisions of the now approved zoning ordinance include:
• Vape shops must be at least 1,200 feet from schools, daycares, playgrounds, and youth-focused entities.
• Vape shops must also be at least 600 feet away from any other vape shop.
• Other operating restrictions for vape shops include:
• No unaccompanied minors allowed
• No alcohol sales
• Cannot be licensed as a food service establishment
• Cannot have a drive-through or drive-up window transactions
• Operating hours for vape shops are limited from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
These provisions are designed to protect Southgate residents from the harmful effects of tobacco use, as well as support the responsible business practices. And this amendment comes at a time when public health experts are pushing to protect children from all youth-targeted e-cigarette marketing campaigns. “I’m proud of the collaboration between our administration and Council to uphold Southgate’s standards for a safe, healthy, and family-focused community,” Mayor Hamberg, who led the charge in collaboration with the City of Southgate Administration, concluded.
Leaders agree that this unanimous vote supports the assertion that placing limits on vape shops is not only a commitment to wellness, but also a solid investment in the community’s future.
City of Southgate