Surrey councillor hoping to restrict or shut down vape shops in the city

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – A city councillor from Surrey is asking staff to examine the possibility of limiting or completely shutting down all vape shops in the city.

Steven Pettigrew says people have concerns — from the nuisance of those vaping in the streets to kids having easier access.

“The parents and the different groups I’ve been talking to, they’re concerned about their children,” Pettigrew adds. “It’s really becoming an epidemic in the school situation right now so I’m trying to address the concerns of the parents mainly.”

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He says it appeared fewer young people were smoking in recent years but vaping seems to have reversed much of the progress made.

“I’m trying to address the concerns of the parents, mainly, and the rapid usage of vaping within the school system. That’s one of the main things that’s driving me right now — to be able to support the parents,” he adds.

Despite laws in place against selling e-cigarettes to those younger than 19, Pettigrew says e-cigarettes are still making their way into the hands of kids.

He says people seem to be welcoming the idea of having more restrictions in place.

“I’ve had no negative feedback from anybody on this,” Pettigrew says. “A lot of thankfulness, a lot of parents and organizations have been very thankful that we’re at least taking a look at it. That’s been very encouraging.”

Staff are expected to report back to council in a few weeks.

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