News Summary
The Aiken County Planning Commission is proposing regulations to limit the locations of smoke and vape shops near schools and youth facilities. The amendments would prohibit such businesses from opening within 500 feet of K-12 schools, day care centers, and other youth-oriented locations, as well as within 1,500 feet of each other. This initiative responds to concerns over rising youth vaping rates and aims to create a healthier environment for children. Further research and public feedback will be gathered before making final recommendations.
Aiken County, South Carolina – The Aiken County Planning Commission is proposing new regulations aimed at restricting the locations of smoke and vape shops in relation to schools and youth facilities. These proposed amendments to the Aiken County Code of Ordinances will prevent the establishment of such businesses within 500 feet of public and private K-12 schools, child day care facilities, youth centers, recreational facilities, churches, public parks, or community centers. Additionally, businesses would be prohibited from opening within 1,500 feet of each other.
The Planning Commission discussed these adjustments during a meeting held on June 19 at the Aiken County Government Center. Seven commission members were present, and they unanimously approved a motion for county staff to conduct further research on the concerns surrounding the regulations, as well as to consult with the County Attorney, Brad Farrar, who was not present at the discussion. Chief Development Officer Joel Duke explained that the proposals remain initial drafts, not final recommendations.
The push for restrictions on smoke and vape shops arose after concerns from South Aiken High School Principal Sam Fuller, who referenced a letter signed by school principals across the county. The letter highlighted the urgency of addressing youth vaping and urged for legal consequences against the sale of vape products to minors. Since 2019, Fuller has taken proactive steps to combat underage vaping, including producing videos aimed at discouraging the behavior.
The issue has grown more pressing as six additional vape shops have opened within walking distance of South Aiken High School, complicating the efforts to address teen vaping effectively. As the Planning Commission prepares to move forward, they plan to vote on their recommendations to the County Council after reviewing staff feedback and the issues raised during discussions.
The proposed regulations come at a time when the increase in vaping among youth is a significant concern for schools and community leaders alike. Participants at the Planning Commission meeting expressed the need for further investigation and public input before moving ahead with any final decisions on the amendments.
The next steps include scheduling a public hearing to gather more community feedback on the proposed amendments after the county staff has gathered the necessary information. The lack of the County Attorney’s input during the initial discussion has also raised questions among Planning Commission members, which they aim to clarify as they progress with the proposals.
As these proposed amendments continue through the planning stages, the Aiken County Planning Commission remains committed to balancing the interests of local businesses with the health and safety of the community’s youth. A vote on the recommendations is anticipated after further consultations are complete, demonstrating a collective effort to create a healthier environment for children and adolescents in Aiken County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken City Council Addresses Increasing E-Cigarette Use Among Students
Aiken City Takes Action Against Student Vaping
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken County Planning Commission
- Wikipedia: Vaping
- WFXG: South Aiken High School Battles Student Vaping
- Google Search: Youth Vaping Concerns
- The Augusta Press: Drug Bust in Aiken County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Smoking
- WJBF: Drugs Seized in Aiken County
- Google News: Aiken County Drug Arrests
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
