By Steve Keenan, The Register-Herald
BECKLEY — Kellie Gunnoe said prevention efforts took a big step locally this week.
In a special meeting Tuesday, Beckley City Council voted to immediately enact a vape/smoke shop ordinance which limits the establishment of new vape/smoke shops in the city to B-2 zoning districts.
Current shops in existence will be grandfathered in.
“This is a proactive approach at prevention,” said Gunnoe, the executive director of Raleigh County Unified for Prevention. “Making sure they (council) did it in a special session really communicates to the community they’re prioritizing.
“We absolutely … appreciate their support.”
The ordinance also requires a conditional use permit for new vape shops within B-2 zones, requires that all new vape/smoke establishments be at least 1,500 feet from other vape shops, schools, day care centers, churches or parks, and restricts vape shop signage to a single sign without flashing or LED lights, Gunnoe pointed out.