08/25/2026
About last night…
Last night, Council approved an amendment to our Development Code to specifically address the process by which new v**e shops would be approved in the borough. The bill has been a work in progress for over six months as Council sought to address concerns raised by residents about the number of these establishments in the borough.
The Ordinance defines a "V**e Shop" as a retail business specializing in electronic ni****ne delivery systems, v**e components, and non-medical h**p or cannabinoid products where those sales serve as the primary revenue source.
Under the new rules, v**e shops are restricted to operating solely within Commercial District C as a "Permitted Use With Conditions" (PC). Businesses must maintain a minimum 1,000-foot distance from other v**e shops, operate between 8 AM and 10 PM, prohibit alcoholic beverages, and install adequate ventilation systems to prevent smoke or v***r from leaking into neighboring properties or public spaces.
Additionally, the legislation establishes strict operational and sales guidelines to protect youth and public health. Self-service displays and automated sales are prohibited, requiring all products to be kept behind counters or in locked cases accessible only by employees. The ordinance bans sales to individuals under 18 (or the applicable legal age), mandates a written age-verification check for anyone appearing under 30, and prohibits employing individuals under 18 in roles involving product sales or handling.
You can find the full text of the bill here: https://boro.dormont.pa.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Dormont_Zoning_Ordinance_Amendment-for-V**e-Shops_4.17.202621278685.1.pdf.
