Richland County weighs vape rules aimed at keeping shops farther from schools
Richland County leaders are considering new rules targeting where vaping and vape shops would be allowed, modernizing a long-standing non-smoking ordinance in the county and creating a new slate of rules for stores that sell vaping equipment and “alternative nicotine products.”
The new rules would align the county with existing restrictions in Columbia and Forest Acres, meant to block stores from clustering in the same areas, and keeping new stores away from schools and churches.
Richland County Councilwoman Tyra Little, who is leading the effort, said the proposed restrictions “lets us slow that proliferation while still respecting legitimate businesses.”
County leaders have been discussing the rules in committee meetings, and they are not yet law.
What would change
- Adds vaping and “electronic smoking devices” to the county’s smoke-free workplaces ordinance.
- Creates a vape shop licensing process.
- Sets location restrictions for new vape shops in unincorporated Richland County, including a proposed 1,000-foot buffer from schools.
- Adds rules like required signage and county inspections.
What wouldn’t change
- Existing vape shops would be grandfathered in and would not be required to relocate under the existing proposal
Existing rules
The county’s conversation comes as cities inside Richland County have already passed similar rules. Columbia and Forest Acres both have ordinances restricting how close vape shops can be to each other and to schools and churches.
There are currently 49 businesses in unincorporated Richland County listed as vape suppliers, including 14 within 1,000 feet of a school.
The county’s restrictions would seek to address public health concerns with vape products, as certain products have been found to be marketed to children.
County staff noted the draft ordinance would not force existing shops to relocate, but would set clearer rules for new businesses and update the workplace ordinance so vaping is treated the same as smoking in places where smoking is already prohibited.
