San Antonio Bans New Vape Shops Near Schools and Daycares

The San Antonio City Council has unanimously approved a new ordinance prohibiting new vape and tobacco shops from opening within 1,000 feet of daycares, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education. The rule, effective immediately, aims to reduce youth exposure and access to vaping products.

Proposed by District 9 Councilmember John Courage, the policy addresses concerns that vape shops are often strategically located near educational institutions, potentially normalizing e-cigarette use among students. Courage cited research suggesting this proximity mirrors past tactics by the tobacco industry to attract young smokers and leads to higher adolescent vaping rates.

The ordinance does not affect existing shops within the new buffer zones due to state law limitations, nor does it apply to general retailers like gas stations that sell vape products but whose primary business is not tobacco or vapes. However, new specialty vape and tobacco shops will require explicit city council permission for any exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

During public comment, an 18-year-old graduate shared how easily accessible shops fueled a "culture" of vaping in his school. A retired pediatric pulmonologist, Dr. Daniel Dean, also spoke in support, emphasizing the health risks of vaping, including exposure to numerous chemicals and the addictive nature of nicotine, urging that vape products be treated like traditional tobacco.