Greenwich tightens smoke shop regulation

They seem to keep popping up everywhere in Greenwich - smoke shops with flashy neon signs that sell nicotine products and vaping systems. They are often subject to unscheduled police inspection and found to be selling to minors or offering illegal high dose THC products.

The town of Greenwich is proposing to further clarify its rules on the definition and location of smoke shops. The rules will define a smoke shop as a retail establishment in which 20% or more of the sales display area is for nicotine products including e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), nicotine pouches, or vaporizers. The new rule would limit the location of smoke shops to at least 1,000 feet of distance from any other smoke shop and at least 3,000 feet of any public or private school, religious institution or hospital.

The amended regulations will be considered by Greenwich Planning and Zoning in the coming weeks.

Between the Lines: The 20% seems to be a low bar that may redefine many gas stations and convenience stores as smoke shops. The days of gas stations at every corner may be coming to an end.

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