SA City Council bans vape, tobacco shops within 1,000 feet of schools

During the May 8 meeting, the San Antonio City Council voted to amend Chapter 35 of the Unified Development Code to create a mandatory spacing requirement for tobacco and vape shops near schools, daycare centers and institutions of higher learning.

The overview

Originally proposed in a council consideration request from District 9 Council member John Courage on Sept. 5, 2024, the updated code would affect vape stores and tobacco shops. Other stores that sell tobacco products, such as gas stations and grocery stores will not be affected by the amendment.

According to city documents, no tobacco store or vape shop will be allowed to operate within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, daycare or institution of higher learning unless granted a specific use authorization by the city council. Existing locations within 1,000 feet of schools will be grandfathered in and be considered legal.

District 9 Council member John Courage said taking steps to curb access to addictive substances among young people is a critical concern for the city.

"The proliferation of vaping is creating a new addicted generation of smokers, it's becoming clear that vaping is just as dangerous as smoking. This council, in partnership with Metro Health, has taken proactive measures to curb the expansion of vaping. Earlier this year, we included vaping in our non smoking ordinance, and today, we'll enact legislation to keep vape shops from opening near public and private schools, daycares and institutions of higher learning," Courage said.

Vape shop locations:

• 225 in city limits
• 82, or 36%, of these shops are within a 1,000 feet of a school, daycare or institution of higher learning