Darien Unlikely To Limit Vape Shops

DARIEN, IL – A majority of Darien aldermen indicated earlier this month that they had no interest in limiting or banning vape shops in Darien.

The city already has two. When a vape shop opened in Brookhaven Plaza a few months ago, the city received a number of complaints about such businesses.

At a City Council meeting, officials explored the possibility of limiting vape shops in town.

City Administrator Bryon Vana said the city would be required to have a "rational basis" for restrictions. But that would be difficult, given the existing shops, he said.

Vana asked the city's seven aldermen whether they would ban vape shops if they could legally do so.

Alderman Ted Schauer immediately said he would, while Alderman Lester Vaughan said he would not.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan questioned how many vape shops Darien needed.

"Two exclusive smoke vape shops is more than enough," she said.

Alderman Tom Chlystek suggested restrictions on such businesses, while aldermen Eric Gustafson and Tom Belczak thought the market should dictate how many shops the community needed.

"If someone really thinks he is going to make another vape shop work, good luck," Gustafson said.

Alderman Joseph Kenny said he was personally opposed to vape shops, but said he would be hard-pressed to limit them.

"I have two in my ward now. How could I honestly (vote no)?" he said. "Let the market dictate it."