'One of the biggest issues we have': Sayreville bans new smoke and vape shops

SAYREVILLE – Smoke and vape shops are banned from opening in the borough, and existing shops are now required to be licensed.

The Borough Council passed the ordinance Monday night because of the “ridiculous” amount of smoke and vape shops, said Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick.

"There are literally a handful of vape shops just within steps of the high school and the middle school, and it causes a lot of issues," Kilpatrick said. "It's one of the biggest issues we have."

The mayor said the ordinance is a good start and can be amended and become more restrictive if necessary.

Under the ordinance, smoke and vape shops are prohibited throughout the borough. Pre-existing shops must obtain a license from the borough within 60 days of the ordinance's passage.

No one will be issued a license if they are unable to pass a criminal background check, the ordinance says.

Annual fees will be assessed at $1,000, and all licenses will be valid for one year, beginning Jan. 1 and expiring on Dec. 31., under the ordinance.

Also see:Judge shuts down mosque in Sayreville over $600K in code violations

Licenses are non-transferable, and any shop that changes ownership is required to submit a new application which must be approved prior to operating the business, the ordinance says.

"All fees collected by the licensing of these shops shall be used to fund the enforcement of this section and promote and maintain programs established by the borough for smoking prevention," the ordinance says.

The ordinance takes effect immediately.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Sayreville NJ bans new smoke and vape shops