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Council hears discussion on vape and smoke shops; staff to research regulatory options
Summary
Councilman Karin Booker led a discussion on the proliferation of vape and smoke shops in Greer and asked staff to explore zoning and regulatory options, including use definitions, spacing requirements and signage limits. Planning staff said the businesses are currently treated as general retail; council asked staff to consult police on enforcement. No action was taken.
Councilman Karin Booker opened a city-council discussion about the number and placement of vape and smoke shops in Greer, urging the council to consider whether the current regulatory framework preserves community character and protects youth.
"Greer has always been a community willing to take a stand for the well being of its people," Booker said as he read prepared remarks urging the council to weigh how vape and smoke shops fit the city’s character. Booker said he has heard from parents and educators concerned about the growing visibility and concentration of these stores, "particularly near areas where families and young people gather."
Planning staff told the council that, under the current UDO (Unified Development Ordinance), tobacco, vape and similar shops are not listed as distinct uses and are treated as general retail. "Currently they are not designated any differently than general retail," Ms. Cottey said. Staff described a range of regulatory tools the council could consider: creating a distinct use definition with percentage-of-sales language, stricter signage and window/display limits, separation requirements from schools or churches, or minimum spacing between similar businesses.
Council members raised enforcement concerns and product-safety issues. One participant cited recent enforcement activity in Greenville that recovered items with THC levels above the statutory 0.3% limit; council members said variability in product composition and youth access were troubling. Several council members suggested the first step should be to request an opinion or enforcement briefing from the police department, including whether compliance stings or other tools would be effective.
What happened tonight: The council held discussion only; no ordinance changes or formal regulatory actions were proposed or adopted. Staff was asked to gather examples of regulatory language other jurisdictions use and to consult with police about enforcement options before bringing potential changes back to council for consideration.
