Virginia Roanoke Considers $20,000 Annual Fee for Vape Shops
The Virginia Roanoke City Council is considering a proposal to impose a $20,000 annual operation fee on specialty vape shops. The measure, introduced by Councilman Phazhon Nash, would apply to businesses that primarily sell vaping products, not to convenience stores or gas stations that also sell them.
Nash stated the goal is to discourage new vape shops from opening and to reduce marketing to children. “I want to give them an amount that hurts to pay,” he said, comparing the fee to existing tobacco taxes. He argued that for businesses making significant profits, a smaller fee would be ineffective.
The proposal has sparked debate. Some vape shop owners argue the fee is excessively high and could shut down small businesses. Councilman Peter Volosin questioned why the fee wouldn’t apply to all retailers selling the same products if it’s a public health initiative. Vice Mayor Terry McGuire called vaping a “huge problem” and suggested the city is fighting against a failure of federal and state regulations.
The council has directed city staff to draft an ordinance outlining the fee and defining vape retailers for further study before a vote.
- Read more: Virginia Localities Move to Restrict New Vape Shop Locations
- News source: Roanoke considers $20,000 fee for vape shops
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