Council reviews draft vape-shop licensing and buffer rules, moves to executive session for legal advice

County staff introduced a draft ordinance to amend the Richland County code to include vaping and electronic smoking devices in the smoking ban and to add specific licensing, location and enforcement rules for vape shops.

Zach Cavanaugh (Business Services Center) and Director Synedria Williams presented the draft language, which adds definitions for electronic smoking devices and hookah lounges, updates display and licensing requirements, and proposes a 1,000-foot buffer that would bar new vape-shop licenses within 1,000 feet of schools, educational buildings or school grounds. Staff said the draft aligns some definitions with the land development code and would allow annual audits of licensed hookah lounges to confirm that the majority of their sales come from tobacco products.

Staff told the council there are 49 vape-only suppliers currently licensed in Richland County and that 14 of those are located within the proposed 1,000-foot buffer of a school. Staff emphasized the draft would not require currently licensed shops to close so long as they remain in compliance; however, a license could be suspended or revoked under the proposed enforcement provisions for out-of-compliance businesses.

The county attorney advised that the council would need legal advice before taking a final vote on the ordinance. A motion to move into executive session for attorney-client legal advice was made and approved by roll call. The council entered executive session and later returned without a final vote on the ordinance; staff said they will return with additional information at a future meeting.

Why this matters

The proposed licensing regime and 1,000-foot school buffer would change the rules for where new vape shops may locate and add a county license structure and enforcement authority for vape suppliers. Because staff found a significant number of existing suppliers within the proposed buffer, the draft includes language to avoid immediate forced closures of compliant existing businesses but could bar re-openings or transfers in some cases and may raise legal issues that the county attorney must evaluate.

What’s next

Council sent the matter to executive session for legal advice; no final ordinance vote occurred. The county attorney and staff will provide additional legal guidance and updated draft language before the council acts on final legislation.