Henrico County Approves Strict Ordinance to Limit Vape Shops

Henrico County officials have approved a strict new ordinance aimed at curbing the proliferation of unregulated vape and tobacco shops. The amendment, passed by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, December 16, introduces rigorous zoning and permitting requirements for new businesses selling recreational products like tobacco, kratom, cannabis, and vapes.

Under the new rules, future vape shops will be restricted to industrial and business districts and must undergo a public hearing to obtain a provisional use permit. Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson stated, “We don’t want people selling illegal substances to our young people,” noting that with 85 vape shops currently in the county—up from just 20 five years ago—it is unlikely any new shops will pass the stringent approval process.

This legislative move follows recommendations from a county task force established in August, which found over 70 shops engaging in illegal activities such as selling to minors or offering illicit drugs. The task force is collaborating with VCU’s Department of Forensic Science and has launched a website for public reporting of non-compliant businesses.

Looking ahead, the Virginia Attorney General’s Office will publish a directory of permitted vaping products in January 2026. Retailers selling unlisted products will face fines of $1,000 per day per prohibited item. Supervisors emphasized their commitment to protecting youth from predatory marketing, with Vice Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III asserting, “It is our job to protect them, and we would do it at all costs.”

• Read more: Virginia Vape Shops Face Strict New Product Restrictions Starting December 31
• News source: Henrico officials approve ordinance to restrict spread of unregulated vape shops

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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