ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Roanoke City Council is weighing a proposal that would require vape shops to pay a $20,000 annual operation fee.

Councilman Phazhon Nash introduced the measure Monday. It would apply to businesses that primarily sell vaping products, not to gas stations or convenience stores that offer them alongside other items.

Nash said the goal is to discourage new vape shops from opening and reduce marketing to children. He also compared the fee to the existing tax on tobacco products.

“These businesses ... vape stores, hemp stores, and smoke shops make so much money that $5,000 is nothing,” Nash said. “I want to give them an amount that hurts to pay.”

“If you want to start this business, you may think twice before doing it,” he added. “Or, if you already have one, we’re able

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