MACON, Ga. — Macon-Bibb County will enact a 90-day moratorium on new vape shops starting Monday as officials work to tighten regulations on where such businesses can operate.

Planning and Zoning Executive Director Jeff Ruggieri said the temporary ban will give the county time to establish a clearer definition of what qualifies as a vape shop and set new criteria for where they can be located.

That includes proposed minimum distances from schools, parks and other vape shops.

“These facilities are at the epicenter of a national health epidemic at this point with the synthetic drugs that they’re selling,” Ruggieri said. “I consider them a scourge on the community. They prey on the marginalized and the youth.”

Ruggieri estimated there are between 50 and 70 vape shops currently operating

See Full Page