‘Reasonable safeguards to protect young people’: Vape shop zoning bill passes in Pittsburgh

WTAE-

Pittsburgh City Council has passed new regulations for vape shops, limiting their proximity to schools, operating hours and zoning locations.

“As we continue to invest in downtown’s recovery, it’s important that we’re intentional about these uses. And so, these reasonable safeguards to protect young people while creating clear expectations for businesses,” council member Bobby Wilson said Tuesday.

The bill creates a zoning category for businesses selling tobacco, inhalants and cannabinoids.

Under the new regulations, new vape shops cannot be within 1,000 feet of elementary or secondary schools. It also limits the zones where vape shops can operate, prohibiting new establishments in downtown Pittsburgh.

Self-service sales are banned, and stores cannot operate between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m.

These restrictions do not affect existing vape shops, only future ones.

Ona Mogotsi, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania 2026 Youth of the Year, believes the steps announced Tuesday will have a positive impact for kids across the city.

“By requiring new vape shops to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, Pittsburgh is taking a meaningful step to reducing young people’s exposure to nicotine products and creating a healthier environment for future generations,” Mogotsi said.

More from WTAE here.