Pittsburgh’s mayor has officially signed new zoning regulations that affect potential future vape shops.Mayor Corey O’Connor signed the bill Wednesday, creating a new zoning category for businesses selling tobacco, cannabinoids and inhalants. “They’ve monopolized some communities, especially our business districts where you just see vape shop after vape shop, something else, then another vape shop,” O’Connor said. “This is going to open the door for more entrepreneurs to have space in the city of Pittsburgh.”Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube ChannelThe ordinance prevents new vape shops from being within 1,000 feet of elementary or secondary schools and restricts their locations to certain zones. For example, new vape shops can no longer be built in downtown Pittsburgh. Additionally, stores cannot operate between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m., and self-service sales are prohibited.Council member Bobby Wilson said the revised bill is stronger than previous versions. “Yes, there are less criteria from where big shops can be in the revised bill from the original one. I know everyone is reporting on the original bill, and this one is reduced somehow, but it’s not. It is much stronger. It is legally more stronger, has a better argument,” Wilson said. The new regulations do not affect existing vape shops currently operating in the city.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

Pittsburgh’s mayor has officially signed new zoning regulations that affect potential future vape shops.

Mayor Corey O’Connor signed the bill Wednesday, creating a new zoning category for businesses selling tobacco, cannabinoids and inhalants.

“They’ve monopolized some communities, especially our business districts where you just see vape shop after vape shop, something else, then another vape shop,” O’Connor said. “This is going to open the door for more entrepreneurs to have space in the city of Pittsburgh.”

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The ordinance prevents new vape shops from being within 1,000 feet of elementary or secondary schools and restricts their locations to certain zones. For example, new vape shops can no longer be built in downtown Pittsburgh. Additionally, stores cannot operate between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m., and self-service sales are prohibited.

Council member Bobby Wilson said the revised bill is stronger than previous versions.

“Yes, there are less criteria from where big shops can be in the revised bill from the original one. I know everyone is reporting on the original bill, and this one is reduced somehow, but it’s not. It is much stronger. It is legally more stronger, has a better argument,” Wilson said.

The new regulations do not affect existing vape shops currently operating in the city.

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