Milford Planning Board Approves Vape Shop Ban

MILFORD, CT — The Milford Planning and Zoning Board has approved a measure to ban the further expansion of vape shops in the city, according to a statement.

Mayor Anthony Giannattasio had proposed the amendment, calling such shops public safety hazards.

The proposal involves altering zoning regulations to prohibit opening any new smoke shops, tobacco stores, and vape shops in Milford. The proposal does not affect the 15 existing shops in the city.

Giannattasio released the following statement following the board's decision:

Over the last several weeks, I’ve heard from an overwhelming number of residents, business owners, and community leaders regarding the proliferation of vape shops in the city. In response to this outpouring of concern, I submitted a regulation proposal on behalf of the citizens of Milford to prohibit additional vape shops in the city to the Planning and Zoning Board. There are currently 15 vape shops in the city and these products all too often end up in the hands of our children.

On Tuesday evening, the Planning and Zoning Board voted to adopt the resolution prohibiting additional vape shops from opening in Milford. This is a win for the people of Milford who have expressed concern about the health and safety of our children and preserving the character of our historic downtown.

I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Planning and Zoning Board members, John Agnese, Etan Hirsch, Mark Macchio, Joseph Alling, Bryan Anderson, and Marc Zahariades for listening to the community, supporting public health, and working in a bipartisan manner to adopt a prohibition on vape shops.