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Supervisors debate restricting hours and zoning for vape and smoke shops after local robbery
Summary
Following a recent armed robbery, board members discussed whether to limit hours for vape/smoke shops and address on‑site skill games, with supervisors leaning toward using zoning—distance from schools and other restrictions—rather than blanket hour limits.
After a recent armed robbery in town, Supervisor Janet Sheats raised concerns at the Sept. 23 meeting about vape and smoke shops that advertise 24‑hour service and suggested the Board consider limiting hours for those retailers.
Cindy Miller and other supervisors said forthcoming zoning ordinance updates will address how to regulate those businesses, including restrictions on proximity to schools and public parks and controls on skill games. Miller noted the Township can place uniform zoning restrictions but cannot retroactively limit an existing lawful business without creating a legal nonconformity.
Board members discussed the public‑safety angle and the practicalities of restricting business hours. Mike Jones said he did not want the Township to dictate hours for businesses, while Janet Sheats emphasized concerns for health, safety and welfare. Jerry Pritchard pointed to a spike in local ATM break‑ins and armed robberies and suggested the issue was tied more to the presence of cash‑based operations like skill games.
Supervisors asked staff to ensure the new zoning ordinance language addresses distance from schools and to clarify whether skill‑game operations at organizations like a VFW or Legion would be affected.
No ordinance was proposed or adopted at the meeting; the ad hoc committee drafting the zoning update will bring specific language to the Board for consideration.
