City of Milwaukee to ban vape stores near schools

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, City Council has officially passed a bill that would restrict the opening of new tobacco and e-cigarette stores within 500 feet of existing cigarette stores and prohibit such stores within 1,000 feet of schools, according to news site WTMJ.

 

The ordinance states that if a new store includes 10 percent or more of tobacco/e-cigarette products in its inventory, then it is subject to the ordinance. However, it does not necessarily apply to gas stations or convenience stores.

 

According to a press release statement from the Milwaukee City Council:

 

The limited use regulations will apply in all commercial districts, the Downtown District and the IM Industrial District. This means that the opening of new tobacco and e-cigarette stores in these areas will be restricted and may be subject to certain conditions or specific regulations.
In all residential, other industrial, park and institutional zones, a prohibition on use will apply. This means that the opening of new tobacco and e-cigarette stores in these areas would be prohibited and no related businesses would be allowed to operate.

The bill was supported by Councilmember Jonathan Brostoff (D), who issued the following statement:

 

“We know that tobacco products are harmful to the public health of our city and that many of these products are marketed to our youth. This bill will make Milwaukee a better, safer place to live.”