Surrey councillor calls for tougher vape sales controls, seeking the “most restrictive legally supportable” package

Key Takeaways

• Proponent: Surrey Councillor Gordon Hepner introduced a motion to tighten vape sales controls
• Aim: staff to deliver the “most restrictive legally supportable” package from 2019 bylaw work
• Proposed tools: new vapour-retailer business licence; strong limits, licensing controls and enforcement
• Retail limits: restrict sales to 19-plus parties; prohibit sales in convenience stores and gas stations
• Next step: council meeting scheduled for Feb. 23; mayor expects debate

2Firsts, Feb 10 2026

According to Peace Arch News, Surrey Councillor Gordon Hepner called on council to “wage war on vaping” in the city and presented a notice of motion aimed at strengthening controls on the sale of vaping products. Hepner said vaping has become a “serious health concern” in Surrey, especially among younger people.

The report quotes Hepner saying he sees youth vaping around schools and elsewhere, and that nicotine addiction can quickly develop into poorer habits for teenagers. He also said the brain continues to develop into adulthood, up to 25 years old, and that youth can become dependent at lower levels of exposure than adults.

The report also quotes Hepner describing “practical impacts” including challenges with concentrating, learning, mood, stress and regulation, and saying vaping carries “acute risks” of developing serious lung diseases.

Hepner said the motion directs staff to bring back the “most restrictive legally supportable package” from the City’s 2019 bylaw work to materially reduce where and how vape products can be sold in Surrey, with strong limits, licensing controls and enforcement. The motion calls on staff to return to council with a report containing draft bylaw amendments for council’s consideration, including a new business licence for vapour-related product retailers requiring a specific licence to sell, offer for sale, provide and distribute these products in Surrey, and major measures to reduce retail availability—such as restricting vapour product sales to 19-plus parties and prohibiting sales in general-access retail outlets like convenience stores or gas stations.

The report says Hepner also called for a city-wide “cap,” removing vape retail from youth-sensitive locations such as schools, parks and recreation centres, with clear consequences for violations.

Council’s next meeting is set for February 23, the report adds, quoting Mayor Brenda Locke as saying she looks forward to the debate.

Image Source: Peace Arch News