City staff introduced a proposed amendment to Appendix B of the Mineral Wells zoning ordinance to prohibit standalone smoke shops, vape shops and head shops within city limits and asked the council to provide direction before staff and Planning & Zoning (PNZ) draft an ordinance.

Staff told the council that school resource officers and police report an uptick in vape pens seized at Mineral Wells schools. Staff said PNZ held a workshop on Oct. 6 and that commissioners were split on how to proceed: two commissioners favored limiting such businesses to light industrial districts, while four favored an outright ban on standalone vape shops. Commissioners were unanimous that cigar lounges should be allowed and not part of a prohibition.

Staff emphasized that a citywide prohibition would grandfather existing businesses—allowing current operators to continue—but would prevent future transfers or new standalone vape/smoke establishments. Staff also flagged definitional issues that must be resolved in ordinance language, saying the city would likely reference the state’s e‑cigarette definition to distinguish vape shops from traditional tobacco retailers.

Councilmembers voiced competing concerns. Some cited public‑health and community image impacts and said the city should take a proactive approach; others noted that convenience stores and other retailers can continue to sell vaping products, which weakens a public‑health argument for a full ban and raises enforcement questions. One councilmember urged more public education and parental responsibility as part of the response.

Staff recommended a process that includes public notice, a PNZ public hearing and a subsequent council public hearing. Council directed staff to return to PNZ to draft ordinance language, to circulate public notices and to run a community survey so PNZ and council would have citizen feedback before any formal vote.