Salem City Council is considering adding smoke shops to the list of businesses that can’t operate near a school or child care center.
The ordinance would create a new use type for smoke shops that includes tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative nicotine products or hemp.
New businesses in this category would need to be located at least 1000 feet from a child day care center or a public, private or parochial school.
The council report says, “Existing businesses that fall into this new use type can remain in a legal nonconforming status until they cease to operate for a period of two years or longer.”
The ordinance will go into effect 10 days after its final passage, if it is to pass on Monday night. The council report notes “recommended approval.”
This proposal came about after the Virginia General Assembly adopted legislation in July which allows localities to regulate the retail sale locations of tobacco products.
The full agenda for Monday’s meeting can be viewed here. The meeting will be held at 6:30 in Council Chambers, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia 24153.
