Retail stores that sell vape products like electronic cigarettes within Atlanta are no longer allowed to operate near elementary and middle schools.
The ban, passed unanimously by the Atlanta City Council on Monday, aims to curb young residents’ use of vapor and hemp products — which rose in popularity as an alternative to nicotine during the last decade.
The prevalence of consumable vapor products and device use among school-age children across Georgia has spurred both Atlanta’s elected officials and state legislators to explore ways to limit accessibility.
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“This law is about protecting our children — full stop,” said council member Liliana Bakhtiari, who introduced the legislation. “When a vape shop opens next to a school, that’s not coincidence.”…