Why so many smoke shops in Byram?

According to Greenwich Town Planner Patrick LaRow at a recent P&Z hearing, since 2020, smoke shops have proliferated in Greenwich. Much of the proliferation is in response to New York increasing restrictions and sales taxes on tobacco and nicotine related products, particularly ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) and flavored vapes.

Since CT does not have laws equal to NY, the west side of Greenwich (Byram, in particular) near the New York border has seen an increase, with shops advertising their proximity to the border.

There are three smoke shops operating in Byram:

Byram Smoke Shop on 111 Mill Street

State Line Smoke Shop on 215 Mill Street

Clouds Vapors & Lounge on 39 North Water Street

Town Planner La Row described the smoke shops as "nuisance businesses with signage that doesn't comply". They create a lot of additional work and are not generally an attractive business for their community. Complaints about smoke shops are the second most frequent in Byram, trailing only issues related to parking and traffic.

New rules are being drafted to expand the definition of a smoke shop, create distance requirements between shops, and establish a vape-free zone near schools, religious institutions and hospitals. See story about regulations here.

Between the Lines: Even with new rules, the existing three smoke shops may be around for a while as they are likely to be grandfathered under the new regulations. Hard to get rid of these "joints".

Story here