The Alexandria City Council on Saturday unanimously approved a measure banning new vape and smoke shops from opening 1,000 feet from schools and daycare centers with minors.
Council’s approval of the text amendment follows a bill by Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-3) that was approved by the General Assembly in April.
According to the city:
The legislation allows any locality the option to prohibit new retail operations that primarily sell tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative nicotine products, or hemp products from locating within 1,000 feet of a child day center or a public, private, or parochial school.
The decision also means that any business open before July 1, 2024, that sells “tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative nicotine products, or hemp products intended for smoking” can continue operating.
Below is a citywide map of shops that sell tobacco, nicotine and hemp products.
