Dalton, Georgia considers new licensing rules and caps for vape shops

Feb.05
Dalton, Georgia considers new licensing rules and caps for vape shops
Dalton, Georgia is weighing a proposal to require city licenses for vape shops, limit how many can operate within city limits, and impose a 1,000-foot buffer for new shops from schools and other community facilities. City officials say the ordinance would not eliminate existing vape shops outright, though some may be impacted if ownership changes or licenses expire.

Key Points

 

  • Dalton, Georgia (U.S.) is considering an ordinance that would require vape shops to obtain a city license.
  • The proposal would also cap the number of permitted vape shops based on the city’s population.
  • New vape shops would have to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, churches, parks, libraries, and fitness facilities.
  • Existing vape shops would not be shut down under the ordinance; they would be affected mainly if the business is sold or the license lapses.
  • City officials say the goal is to protect the health and welfare of residents and that the ordinance is modeled after other municipalities’ approaches.

 


 

2Firsts, Feb 5, 2026

 

According to WTVC, the City of Dalton, Georgia (U.S.) is considering a proposal that would introduce new restrictions on vape shops. Under the plan, vape shops would need a city-issued license, and the city would also set a population-based cap on how many shops can be permitted within city limits.

 

The proposed ordinance would require any future vape shop to be located at least 1,000 feet away from schools, churches, parks, libraries, and fitness facilities.

City official Bruce Frazier said the ordinance would not ban vape shops or remove existing ones. However, existing shops located near sensitive sites would generally be affected if the business is sold or if the license lapses.

 

Frazier said Dalton is looking at this approach because similar ordinances have been adopted by other municipalities in the state, and he framed the goal as protecting the health and welfare of residents.

A local customer, Johnathan, who shops at a vape store in Dalton with his wife Megan, said he supports the idea, adding that he quit combustible cigarettes about four or five years ago but believes vaping can be harmful to health as well.

 

Frazier also emphasized the city is trying to balance regulation with keeping Dalton a place where it remains easy to do business, describing the ordinance as part of that “balancing act.”

 

Image source: WTVC

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