PGH City Council Recommends Passing Legislation to Restrict Vape Shops

Published on June 04, 2026

The bill will be sent to Council for Final Vote on Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA (June 3, 2026)—Councilman Bobby Wilson’s (District 1) legislation to regulate Vape Shops in the City of Pittsburgh received an affirmative recommendation from City Council at today’s Standing Committee. Bill 2025-2250 will go to a final vote at Council’s Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 9, where it is expected to pass. This version of the bill creates a new zoning category, Retail: Tobacco, Inhalant, and Cannabinoids, which include items such as electronic nicotine delivery systems i.e., vapes, CBD items, Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and others. This legislation does not impact licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. This retail use cannot be located with 1,000 feet of any elementary school or secondary school, it cannot be open between the hours of 11 P.M. and 9 A.M., and it cannot provide self-service sales. The original bill, introduced last year, included broader definitions and uses within the Zoning Code, making it initially harder to administer. New vape shops would now be significantly restricted based on the current bill’s zoning restrictions and distance requirements.

“I’m thrilled to see Council support this legislation and send it a final vote at next Tuesday’s meeting,” Councilman Wilson stated. “I’ve heard numerous concerns about the proliferation of these vape shops, and the damage they are doing to our youth population, and our residential and business communities. We need to invest in bringing in small businesses and creating safe places where our youth can congregate and be kids; we don’t need more vape shops selling these addictive products.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, which is looking to expand its current Downtown Teen Center, has been a strong supporter of the legislation since introduction. "As one of the region's largest youth services providers connecting the young people of Pittsburgh to safe spaces and quality programs for over 138 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is deeply committed to uplifting the health and well-being of the 12,000 children and teenagers we serve. Our programs help kids and teenagers develop healthy coping mechanisms, build strong decision-making skills, and better understand risks involved with harmful activities, including use of vapes and tobacco," said Christopher Watts, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. "Councilman Wilson's legislation will reduce access to addictive products, improve the quality of life for our region's children and teenagers, promote a more welcoming and inviting experience in Downtown Pittsburgh and neighborhood business districts, and limit distractions that many young people encounter on their way to our Clubhouses. We applaud Councilman Wilson and City Council for their leadership on this critical issue."

“Downtown should feel safe and welcoming for everyone who lives, works, visits, or runs a business here,” said Jeremy Waldrup, CEO, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. We have seen serious public safety

concerns around some of these locations, including persistent loitering, public intoxication, open drug use, disruptive behavior, and credible concerns about illegal sales and sales to minors. This legislation is a practical step toward addressing those issues and helping ensure Downtown continues to be a safe place people want to spend time.”

“It’s important for all of us on Council to prioritize the health, safety, and wellbeing of our neighbors,” replied Councilperson Erika Strassburger. “This ordinance is an important cornerstone in our mission to make Pittsburgh every family’s first choice.”

Councilperson Bob Charland continued, “I’m happy we took this important step today. Vape shops are harmful to the health of our neighborhoods at best and a hotspot for illegal activity at worst. Now, we have to make sure our enforcement mechanisms match the will of this legislation.”

Councilman Wilson added, “I want to thank my fellow co-sponsors, Council President R. Daniel Lavelle (District 6), Councilperson Bob Charland (District 3), Councilperson Erika Strassburger (District 8), the Zoning Department, and the many stakeholders who have supported this bill since it was introduced last year. I believe this bill will have a positive impact in our neighborhoods.”

Julianne Hluska
Chief of Staff
Councilman Bobby Wilson
Julianne.hluska@pittsburghpa.gov
412-676-5758

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