I’ve had a number of calls from folks concerned about the influx of vape and smoke shops that seem to be opening up everywhere in the city and here in Ward 8. The Merriman Valley has three in less than a quarter mile span, there’s one in Wallhaven and another in the small plaza behind the CVS on West Market St. I’ve been diligent in making sure signage is not overbearing or more than the code allows, but it seems like some try to pass themselves off as marijuana dispensaries. This is not legal and I’ve had the City’s Chief Prosecutor stop by to warn them and zoning fine the owners for repeated offenses.
I along with a number of my colleagues on Council struggle with vape shops, simply because there’s very little regulation from the state. Basically they can’t sell to anyone under 21 and that’s pretty much it. This is about to change in Akron as we have legislation in the planning committee that will clearly define a vape store, and limit their locations similar to marijuana dispensaries. If the legislation passes, vape stores will have to be a mile apart from each other, and 500 feet from a public school, playground, park, church, or public library. Lastly all vape shops will have to come to City Council for conditional zoning approval.
A public hearing will be held at the City Council’s Planing committee meeting on Monday September 29, at City Hall at both 1:00 and 6:00pm. The public is allowed to voice their opinion and you can do so via zoom or in person. I’m certain there will be a lot of folks for the restrictions and I will be voting in favor of the legislation to make sure we have some control moving forward.