Richland County tightens vape shop rules: new licenses, distance from schools

Richland County Council passed an ordinance on Nov. 10, 2026, creating a licensing system for vape shops in unincorporated areas and imposing location restrictions. Operators must obtain a vape shop business license, be at least 21 years old, and apply under their own name; existing shops must apply at their next annual business license renewal. The ordinance bans sales of nicotine and vapor products to anyone under 21 and prohibits vape juice containing illegal substances or harmful additives. Shops must post a sign of at least one square foot explaining how to safely use vapor product batteries. No new licenses will be issued for vape shops within 1,000 feet of an open elementary or secondary school, and, under a last-minute provision added by Councilmember Tyra Little, vape shops cannot be within 1,000 feet of each other to prevent over-saturation; existing shops in violation are grandfathered in. County documents note there are 49 businesses in Richland County holding a vape supply license, 14 of which are within 1,000 feet of a school. The county cited reports on adverse effects of vape shop businesses and a desire to reduce adolescents' exposure to vape and cannabis products, while stating the regulations are not intended to restrict access to those shops. The ordinance does not require current operations to stop as long as the license holder complies, and it requires no additional staffing or budget allocation. It is the county's second set of vape regulations this year, following a July measure adding vaping to smoke-free workplace ordinances, and it brings unincorporated areas more in line with restrictions in Columbia and Forest Acres.

(Source：Charleston Post and Courier)