Teen Vaping Crisis: MoCo Leaders Target Vape Shops Near Schools

ROCKVILLE, MD — As the U.S. scrambles to solve the youth vaping epidemic, Montgomery County leaders are pushing for a zoning change that would prohibit vape shops from opening near dozens of local schools.

Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz and Craig Rice held a press conference on ZTA 19-06 in Rockville on Monday. The measure seeks to bar vape shops that sell e-cigarettes and similar products from opening within a half-mile of middle and high schools in Montgomery County.

"The goal of this zoning change and legislation is to protect students' health and limit their ability to purchase nicotine vaping products," county officials said in a statement. "It is illegal for retailers to sell such products to Montgomery County residents under the age of 21, with the exemption of active duty service members over the age of 18."