Richland County moves to limit where vaping is allowed. More regulations could follow.
Richland County is updating its smoke-free ordinance to include vaping, with possible further vape shop regulations.Summary
Richland County leaders are moving to amend the county’s smoke-free workplaces ordinance by adding vaping and definitions for hookah lounges and electronic smoking devices. The measure passed first reading unanimously on July 7 and requires two more votes to become law. It would ban vaping in workplaces and other areas where smoking is already prohibited, with violators facing a $25 fine and possible public nuisance designation, while allowing vaping in private residences, designated smoking hotel/motel rooms, retail tobacco stores, religious ceremonies, and licensed hookah or cigar lounges. No additional staffing or funding is needed for the change. A separate ordinance to regulate the location of vape shops was considered but not included in the July 7 agenda; future rules could define vape shops, create licensing requirements, set application procedures, restrict underage sales and displays, limit new vape shops to at least 1,000 feet from schools, and establish standards for license suspension, revocation, and enforcement.
(Source：Charleston Post and Courier)
