PITTSBURGH \u2014 Mayor Corey O\u2019Connor has signed new legislation aimed at limiting the expansion of vape shops across Pittsburgh, including a ban on new vape retailers in Downtown and near schools.<\/p>\n
The ordinance, unanimously approved by Pittsburgh City Council<\/a> and signed by O\u2019Connor on Wednesday, prohibits new vape shops from opening in Downtown, residential zoning districts and within 1,000 feet of schools.<\/p>\n City leaders said the measure is intended to curb the growing number of vape shops in some neighborhoods and commercial corridors.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t have to deal with the continued proliferation of vape shops. There\u2019s way too many already,\u201d Councilmember Bobby Wilson said, who sponsored the bill.<\/p>\n Under the new rules, any newly established vape shop must also close between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m. and is prohibited from offering self-service sales, such as vending machine-style purchases.<\/p>\n O\u2019Connor said city officials have heard concerns from residents about the concentration of vape shops in certain neighborhoods.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know that they have created a lot of problems throughout our neighborhoods,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019ve monopolized some communities, especially our business districts where you just see vape shop after vape shop.\u201d<\/p>\n Wilson said the ordinance gives the city more control over where vape retailers can operate.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough zoning, we essentially told where the vape shops can be in the city of Pittsburgh,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cThey can\u2019t be Downtown and they can\u2019t be mostly on our main streets.\u201d<\/p>\n Wilson said the final version of the legislation is stronger and more legally defensible than earlier proposals, which would have restricted vape shops near day cares, churches and parks.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is much stronger, it is legally more stronger, it\u2019s a better argument,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cAnd we tell the vape shops where they can be.\u201d<\/p>\n The ordinance does not affect licensed medical marijuana dispensaries already operating in the city. Existing vape shops also are not impacted by the new zoning restrictions. <\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n