Mercer County, U.S., Reviews Ordinance to Ban New Vape Shops

A regulation in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, USA, that could impose a ban on new vape industry businesses is currently under review by the Mercer County Commission.

According to a breaking report by WVVA on December 19, a regulation in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, USA, that could impose a ban on new vape businesses is currently being reviewed by the Mercer County Council.

Mercer County Commissioner Greg Puckett said there are too many vape shops in the county. He said these shops do not contribute to healthy habits in the county, while the number of vaping devices found in schools has surged. Puckett described the current situation as a “public health crisis.”

Puckett also revealed that in March, a teacher in Mercer County reported that a 5-year-old student was found using a vape in class.

He estimated that there are nearly 20 vape shops in the county, and that three more could open in the Athens Road area. He said Fayette County has already implemented a regulation placing a moratorium on new vape shops in that county, and that local officials would consider using it as a model.

Puckett said officials will consult with Mercer County prosecutor Brian Cochran to determine whether the county can establish a similar regulation.

At the meeting, Bluefield city legal counsel Anthony Heltzel said the city government is seeking to implement this type of regulation.