Mount Pleasant considers vape shop limits near schools and parks

Mount Pleasant town leaders are considering new zoning restrictions on smoke and vape shops after plans emerged for one to open near Moultrie Middle School, the Post and Courier reported.

The proposed ordinance would prevent smoke and vape stores from operating within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, or parks, and would also require at least 1,500 feet between such shops to avoid clustering, according to the draft ordinance discussed at a special Town Council meeting on November 2.

Currently, Mount Pleasant has no distance restrictions on where smoke and vape shops can operate. The new rules would define these shops as any business selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes, synthetic cannabinoids, and related products.

The push for these limitations was prompted by plans for a smoke and vape shop at 709 Coleman Blvd., located less than 1,000 feet from Moultrie Middle School. The proposed store, called 54 Smoke and Vape, drew over 70 comments from parents concerned about its proximity to the school and the character of the neighborhood.

Town officials are moving forward with the ordinance to address community concerns and regulate the location of these businesses more strictly in Mount Pleasant.