Pittsburgh officials consider new restrictions on e-cigarette shops to protect children and communities

Key points:

·New restrictions: Officials in Pittsburgh, USA are considering implementing new restrictions on e-cigarette shops, prohibiting new e-cigarette shops from opening within 1500 feet of schools, daycare centers, places of worship, parks, etc.; banning operations from 11pm to 9am; requiring products to be placed behind counters or in locked cabinets, and prohibiting self-service sales. 

·The purpose of the legislation is to protect children, strengthen communities, and reduce the clustering of e-cigarette shops in places frequented by children. 

·Response from shop owners: Some shop owners support the measures, believing they will help curb negative behaviors and ensure products are not sold to minors.

In a report from triblive on September 16, 2025, officials in the city of Pittsburgh, USA, are considering implementing new restrictions on e-cigarette stores with the aim of reducing children's exposure to shops selling nicotine and CBD products.

The new measures were submitted to the city council on Tuesday, suggesting a ban on new e-cigarette stores from opening within 1500 feet of elementary schools, middle schools, registered daycares, places of worship, public parks, playgrounds, or other e-cigarette stores. Additionally, the proposal states that both new and existing e-cigarette stores are not allowed to operate between 11 pm and 9 am. Products within the stores must be placed behind a counter or in locked cabinets, and self-service sales are prohibited.

Representative Bobby Wilson (D-North Side) stated, "I believe this is a common-sense restriction on e-cigarette shops in Pittsburgh." This legislation is aimed at protecting children and strengthening communities. Currently, e-cigarette shops are tending to cluster near parks, schools, and childcare centers, which are places frequently visited by children.

Pam McBurney, owner of Vapor Galleria on the southeast side of East Carson Street, stated that the proposed regulations will not change the way her store operates because all products are already locked up and her store does not stay open overnight. McBurney said that when choosing the location of her store, they avoided areas near schools. "I wouldn't open an e-cigarette shop across from a school, that's not right," she said.

The proposed restrictions would limit stores from using 15% or more of their floor space for the display or sale of e-cigarettes, any CBD products, or smoking accessories. This would also include businesses that allocate at least 10 feet of shelf space or two display cases for such products. However, these restrictions would not apply to medical pharmacies.

Legislator Erika Strassburger (D-Squirrel Hill) expressed concern that some e-cigarette shops near schools may attract children and have negative health impacts.

City Council President R. Daniel Lavelle does not want to see a proliferation of e-cigarette shops. Lavelle stated, "They are increasingly popping up and taking over spaces that could be used for other businesses.