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DeKalb bans sale of smoking products from vending machines after parent complaints
Summary
Ordinance 2025-029, prohibiting vending‑machine sales of tobacco and similar smoking products, passed unanimously June 23 after public comments from a parent reporting underage vaping and staff concerns about unmonitored sales from vending machines.
The DeKalb City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-029 on June 23, prohibiting the sale of smoking products from vending machines within city limits.
Nicole Malik, a parent, told the council her 14‑ and 17‑year‑old children were able to buy tobacco and vaping products at local retailers and said existing fines are insufficient, asking the city to “shut these places down.” City Manager Bill Nicholas told the council vending‑machine sales are easy to circumvent, can bypass age verification and raise health concerns because product contents are sometimes not identified on packaging.
Council members supported the ban and voted to waive second reading the same night. The ordinance amends Chapter 64 (smoking regulations) to prohibit vending‑machine sales of smoking products; staff said enforcement and possible fine increases will be addressed in follow-up work. The council also directed staff to bring back options on enforcement penalties and inspection practices.
