A state representative from Philadelphia is lobbying to prohibit smoke shops from setting up too close to schools or other places where children gather.
Democratic State Rep. Ben Waxman introduced a bill that would limit new smoke shops from opening within 500 feet of daycare centers, K-12 schools, youth centers or recreational spaces.
The legislation would also stop new smoke shops from opening within 500 feet of another similar store.
“The proliferation of smoke shops in our communities is a problem,” Waxman said in a memo. “As more smoke shops open in our communities, where they open becomes a concern. Smoke shops should not be easy for our children to access.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Lindsay Powell, Robert Merski, Chris Pielli and others.
Powell, whose district includes Etna, Shaler, Reserve, Millvale and several neighborhoods across Pittsburgh, said the bill bolsters school safety.
“Our schools should be safe, supportive spaces where young people can learn, grow and build community, free from harmful influences,” Powell said. “But as smoke shops continue to multiply in our neighborhoods, we’re making it far too easy for kids to access products that were never meant for them, especially when marketing is clearly designed to catch their attention.
“I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation to ensure that the next generation can thrive, not be targeted.”
The proposal was referred to the finance committee on Wednesday.
Waxman cited a successful Philadelphia zoning guideline as the basis for the new statewide bill.
He said the existing policy cut the number of tobacco retailers by 20% from 2017 to 2020.
“This legislation will help keep smoke shops away from where our children go to learn and play,” Waxman said.
The mission to limit exposure of children to nicotine and CBD isn’t new.
Pittsburgh officials are considering restrictions as well.
A measure introduced to City Council in September would prohibit new vape shops to open within 1,500 feet of elementary or secondary schools, licensed daycare facilities, religious institutions, public parks and playgrounds or other vape shops.
It also would prohibit new and existing vape shops from operating between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m. No self-service sales would be allowed, and products would have to be kept behind counters or in locked display cases.
The city’s bill is still awaiting a planning commission vote when it could then move for approval from council.
Just this week, Ross Commissioners voted on regulations to restrict where vape shops can locate in the township.
Commissioners voted 8-0 to approve new guidelines. Commissioner Pat Mullin was absent.
The ordinance allows vape, tobacco and smoke shops as conditional use only in the township’s C-1 commercial district.
They have to be at least 3,000 feet apart from each other, and cannot be within 1,000 feet of the property lines of schools, day care centers, parks or churches. They also cannot be within 300 feet of any residential zoning district boundary line. They are not allowed to have drive-thru windows.
Under the ordinance, a retail business is classified as a smoke or vape shop if more than 30% of its gross sales revenue comes from alternative nicotine products, or if more than 30% of its retail floor area or display space is used for them.