Forsyth County businesses selling so-called “non-traditional tobacco products” will be facing tough new regulations in the next 90 days.
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners passed strict licensing and operational requirements. Among them are a $2,000 annual license fee and an additional charge of $250 for each of four lines of products that are advertised as being for tobacco and herbs but which law enforcers contend are frequently used for illegal drugs. Those include grinders, weighing devices and torch lighters. Additional provisions spell out that items for sale have to be kept in a separate, screened room, set distance limits from schools and churches and lay out a laundry list of conditions under which licenses can be suspended or revoked.
The changes also outline out new regulations for “alternative tobacco product” or vape dealers, including a $50 annual permit, a ban on mixing vape juice on store premises and a provision saying that businesses selling vaping devices can’t allow their use on-premises unless the stores are equipped with a dehumidifier to dispel the mist.
Commissioners said the 90-day grace period before the ordinance changes take effect will allow sheriff’s deputies and other county officials to get the word out to both sets of businesses.
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