Bluefield, Virginia Plans New Licensing System for Vape Shops

The town of Bluefield, Virginia, is considering adding a licensing system for vape shops, with plans to impose stricter regulation on such stores and explore restrictions on the sale of tobacco products by vape shops and other retailers.

According to WVVA in a 2024 report, the town of Bluefield, Virginia, plans to hear public comments on Wednesday evening regarding a proposed new licensing system for vape shops. The town government’s discussion stems from residents’ concerns about the number and variety of vape retailers in the area. 

Bluefield Town Manager Andrew Hanson said that if the change moves forward, business owners would need to explain their business plans to the town’s planning commission and council, which would then decide whether the business could receive a license.

Hanson said, “If they are coming here to do business for legitimate reasons, that is fine. They have the right to run their business, but we need tighter control over what is being sold and where it is being sold in town, to make sure not every vacant storefront turns into a vape, tobacco, or smoke shop.”