What Macon-Bibb County’s new vape shop rules mean moving forward

New regulations approved earlier this month limit where future vape shops can open near schools and other stores.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – New regulations aimed at limiting the number and placement of vape shops in Macon-Bibb County are now in place after county planners approved changes earlier this month.

On January 12, the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission approved new regulations that will put a curb on vape shops near Bibb County schools and universities.

Bibb County Planning and Zoning Executive Director Jeffery Ruggieri says the rule stemmed from a 90-day moratorium on new vape shops opening. That moratorium was passed in October.

The January 12 resolution amends the Comprehensive Land Development Resolution for Macon-Bibb County to define vape shops as retail establishments where 35 percent or more of retail sales or retail floor space is dedicated to vape products as defined by Georgia law.

Ruggieri says all vape stores must now be located at least half a mile from schools and from other vape shops.

“The commission felt that it would be in our best interest to pause the vape shops, and any new ones coming in, and try to formulate some rules and regulations that are consistent with the surrounding communities,” Ruggieri said. “Just to make sure we don’t become an attractive place for the vape shops because they’re not allowed to be anywhere else.”

He says there are 38 vape stores in Macon right now.

“And so, what this new regulation does is limit the placement on where they can be,” he said. “So, they need to be at least a half a mile, 2,640 feet, from any other existing vape shops. Also, that same distance away from universities, schools, and any facilities that provide for the care for children.”

Ruggieri says the goal is to limit both the spacing and the overall number of vape shops in certain areas.

“I think by limiting the location to be further away from facilities where younger adults and children are, to limit their exposure to the temptation of stopping in and maybe pick up something else that’s not in their best interest for their personal health,” he said.

Ruggieri says any form of vaping is illegal for anyone under 21 years of age.