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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A new zoning ordinance passed by Hendersonville’s Board of Alderman will limit how close vape shops can be to schools and other places where children gather after residents voiced concerns about seeing an increase in vape stores and marketing tactics aimed at youths.
Under the new regulations, vape and smoke shops will be prohibited from operating within 1,000 feet of public or private schools, day care centers, youth centers, or religious institutions. Minors will not be allowed to enter the shops unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
In earlier board discussion on the matter, Alderman Board member Eddie Roberson said, “I know our police do a great job at making sure minors don’t get to them (vapes), but I’m afraid they are. I just think that there is public health concern, and I will be working on some regulations to regulate better, those shops.”
Alderman Michael Martin says the change is meant to reduce youth exposure to vaping products, especially as “we have a lot of vape stores that are along Main Street, but we also have a lot of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools along Main Street too.”
He also believes the community is “excited” about the new measure because, “They’re not happy with the number of vape stores that we have.”
Current vape shops will be grandfathered into the new ordinance and allowed to stay in their existing locations, but any new stores will be required to comply with the updated restrictions.
City officials noted the ordinance received broad support from residents and mentioned that other nearby areas, including Sumner County in which Hendersonville is located, have adopted similar regulations.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
