Abington Township residents voice concerns over unanimously-passed vape/smoke shop ordinance

There are new restrictions regarding vape/smoke shops in Abington Township.

The Abington Township Board of Commissioners unanimously approved to modify an ordinance that establishes hours of operation for vape/smoke shops, and also prohibits other vape/smoke shops from opening within a certain vicinity of one another.

The modifications of the ordinance are as follow:

• Each tobacco store, smoke shop or vape shop shall be located no closer than 1,000 feet from any other tobacco store, smoke shop or vape shop.
• There shall be one (1) off-street parking space required for each 150 feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof.
• Hours of operation shall be limited to 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The topic of vape/smoke shops within the township has been a concern for some residents. 

“I’m glad were doing this,” Abington Commissioner Laney Martin (Ward 5) said. “Many people have called me about their concerns about vape shops popping up everywhere. I think this is a huge public concern.”

One resident who attended the meeting doesn’t think the ordinance goes far enough.

“This ordinance definitely doesn’t go far enough,” she said. “We have at least 30 vape shops in Abington and the surrounding areas. The majority of what these kids see – especially on Easton Road – is vape shops. It’s not necessary them to be 1,000 feet away. There should be no more vape shops. The existing ones should be grandfathered in, and that's it. We need ice cream stores, gift shops, all kinds of others shops; not vape shops. No wonder why they are vaping at the junior high bathrooms.”

Another parent voiced concerns over vape/smoke shops selling products to her 14-year-old and 16-year-old children.

“I’m the mother of two teenage boys and they have actually been sold directly by two specific vape shops," the parent said. "Not only am I concerned with the number and how they are littering the township, but it’s concerning that they are selling directly to kids.”

The ordinance defines a vape/smoke shop as any business establishment whose principal purpose is selling tobacco and/or tobacco products and/or vaping products. A retail sales or wholesale establishment which maintains 20% or more of its total merchandise as tobacco and/or tobacco products and/or vaping products shall be considered a tobacco store/smoke shop. A retail or wholesale establishment which holds itself out as a “tobacco store”, a “smoke shop”, a “vape shop” or a similar establishment, shall also be considered a tobacco store, smoke shop or vape shop.

The ordinance does not include medical marijuana dispensaries.