Cleveland City Council considers vape shop moratorium amid community concerns

During the recent Berea City Council meeting held on April 21, 2025, discussions centered around the potential implementation of a moratorium on new vape and smoke shops in the city. This conversation was prompted by recent legislative changes in neighboring Cleveland, which strengthened regulations on the placement of such businesses near schools and churches.

The mayor requested an examination of the issue, leading to the discovery that several nearby communities, including Parma Heights and Euclid, have already enacted similar moratoriums. The proposed moratorium in Berea would last up to one year, allowing city officials time to study zoning restrictions and assess the density of existing vape and smoke shops. Currently, Berea has three established shops, along with gas stations that also sell vaping products.

The moratorium would not affect existing businesses, allowing them to continue operations while preventing new establishments from opening during the study period. This measure aims to address concerns about the proliferation of vape shops and their accessibility to minors, a topic raised during the meeting. Council members expressed the need for clarity regarding which businesses currently sell vaping products and whether there are adequate enforcement mechanisms in place to prevent underage sales.

The council is expected to revisit this topic in future meetings, with the potential for a vote on the moratorium. This discussion highlights the city's proactive approach to regulating the sale of vaping products, reflecting broader societal concerns about youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. As the council continues to explore this issue, the implications for community health and safety remain at the forefront of their considerations.