Richmond council will explore buffer zones between vape shops and schools or daycares

Richmond council asked staff Monday night to consider whether vape shops should be subject to buffer zones near schools and other places children may frequent, similar to rules for liquor and cannabis retailers. The request is for a review, not an immediate change to city policy.

The move followed concerns raised by mayoral candidate Henry Yao, who said a vape shop appears to be moving next to a daycare attended by his children. Seedlings Early Child Development Hub on No. 3 Road provides care programs for children from newborns through Grade 7. Yao said he is not seeking to ban vape shops or punish business owners, but wants policies and bylaws that maintain a fair distance between age-restricted activity and childcare or youth spaces. His Change.org campaign had 366 supporters as of Tuesday.

The legal age to buy vape products in B.C. is 19. Richmond requires liquor stores to be 500 metres from schools and parks, while standalone cannabis retailers are not permitted in the city. Regulations elsewhere in Metro Vancouver vary: New Westminster limits business licences for new vape stores; West Vancouver prohibits age-restricted vape retail in all zones; Maple Ridge and the Township of Langley prohibit vape retail in all zones; and Port Coquitlam requires 2.5 kilometres between premises selling vapour or e-substance products. Coun. Carol Day said the city should be clear in its bylaws because the products are age-restricted.