Council opens review of vape and smoke shops, asks staff to study zoning options

Councilman Booker asked Greer City Council to consider whether vape and smoke shops are properly classified under the city's Unified Development Ordinance and whether additional safeguards are needed where such businesses are concentrated near schools, parks and places of worship.

Booker read prepared remarks that traced civic precedent and expressed concern about the shops' visibility and proximity to areas where young people gather. He cited reports from educators and law enforcement about inconsistent THC levels in some products and said parents have raised safety concerns about products that resemble candy. "We must ensure that the businesses opening in this city reflect the kind of community we want Greer to remain for generations to come," Booker said.

Staff replied that vape and smoke shops are currently treated as general retail in the UDO; alcohol sales are the only retail subtype specifically called out. Ashley, a staff member, explained the technical options for regulating the use: creating a separate use type with use standards (for example, where it is permitted by right or by special exception), defining primary retail goods thresholds, or adding separation requirements from sensitive uses or from other similar businesses.

Council discussed possible regulatory tools including stricter signage standards, percentage-of-goods definitions to distinguish a gas station that happens to sell CBD from a dedicated vape shop, and distancing requirements from schools or churches. Members also raised enforcement questions and suggested consulting the police department about sting operations or other compliance checks for age-restricted sales.

No formal action was taken; council asked staff to compile definitions, regulatory examples from other municipalities, enforcement options and any legal considerations for a future agenda item.