Vape Shops, Games Of Skill Focus Of Upcoming Haverford Hearing

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — Officials in Haverford Township next week will discuss a new resolution that focuses on vape shops and gaming machines inside them.

Ward 7 Commissioner Conor Quinn on social media earlier this month said recent months have seen heavy discussion on vape shops in the township.

Thus, a public hearing regarding zoning changes of vape shops in the township is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Commissioners Meeting Room.

The resolution would regulate "the premises within which such [games of skill] may be permitted," as well as provide clearer the definitions of a "Convenience Store, to define E-Liquids, Electronic Cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Game of Skill Machines, Hookah Bars, Indoor Recreational or Amusement Facilities, Mechanical Amusement Devices, Significant Tobacco Retailers and Smoke Shops."

Read the full resolution below:

Resolution No. 2366-2024

Whereas, the Township of Haverford is considering amendments to the General Laws of the Township of Haverford by amending Chapter 47 entitled “Amusement Devices” to further regulate the premises within which such devices may be permitted and associated definitions; amending Chapter 182 entitled “Zoning” to clarify the definition of Convenience Store, to define E-Liquids, Electronic Cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Game of Skill Machines, Hookah Bars, Indoor Recreational or Amusement Facilities, Mechanical Amusement Devices, Significant Tobacco Retailers and Smoke Shops; to prohibit Mechanical Amusement Devices within the premises of Significant Tobacco Retailers and to prohibit Game of Skill Machines in Convenience Stores; to expressly prohibit Significant Tobacco Retailers in the C-2 Neighborhood Commercial District; to delete cigarette and tobacco as permitted to be sold in gift shops in the C-3 General Commercial District; to establish Significant Tobacco Retailers including Smoke Shops, Vape Shops and Hookah Lounges as a use permitted by Conditional Use in the C-5 Shopping Center Commercial District; and to establish the criteria for the approval of a Significant Tobacco Retailers use; and

Whereas, the Township desires to keep citizens and business interests informed status of the proposed amendments.

Now, therefore it Resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Haverford, County of Delaware, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that a public hearing shall be held before the Board of Commissioners on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 6:30 PM, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, Municipal Services Building, 1014 Darby Road, Havertown, Pennsylvania.