Nashville Advances Stricter Regulations for Vape & Cigarette Shops
The Nashville Metro Council is moving forward with an ordinance designed to increase regulations on beer and cigarette markets, a category that was recently amended to include vape shops. The proposal successfully passed its second reading on Tuesday night and aims to control the density and location of these retail establishments.
The ordinance mandates a quarter-mile (approximately 1,320 feet) distance between such markets and prohibits them from operating within 100 feet of sensitive areas like playgrounds, parks, daycare centers, and religious institutions. Additionally, it will instill new regulations for signage and lighting around the perimeters of doors and windows. Councilmember Emily Benedict, a sponsor of the bill, stated that these standards “strike a balance” by allowing the businesses to operate while improving the appearance of city corridors.
An amendment is expected to be proposed by Councilmember Jacob Kupin, who represents much of downtown, to reduce the quarter-mile separation requirement to 500 feet specifically for the downtown core area. A final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for the council’s September 16th meeting.
This move is part of the Metro Council’s broader effort to manage the proliferation of vape and tobacco retailers. A separate ordinance that would create limits for these markets through the creation of a commercial compatibility overlay district was deferred until the next meeting.
- Read more: Virginia Newport News Proposes Ban on New Vape Shops Near Schools
- News source: Council Advances Regulations for Vape Shops, Beer and Cigarette Markets
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