DUNWOODY, GA — Dunwoody city leaders have approved new regulations restricting where stand-alone vape shops can open in the city.

Under the ordinance, vape shops must be at least 600 feet from daycare facilities, places of worship and schools. They must also be at least 1,500 feet from other vape shops and gas stations.

“Which is based on our alcohol ordinance, 600 feet from daycare facilities, places of worship, and schools,” Community Development Director Richard McLeod said.

McLeod said the city already has a similar ordinance regulating liquor stores.

The new regulations are considered a preventative measure because there are currently no stand-alone vape shops in Dunwoody.

“We had noticed when we were visiting other cities that they had several of them that were close to each other,” McLeod said.

Some residents called for the city to go further and ban vape shops entirely.

“We should be in the business of helping our families, not hurting them,” resident Marodee Shortle said.

Resident Maria Barnhart also supported a ban.

“Keeping Dunwoody and the community atmosphere, the family-friendly atmosphere would be helped,” Barnhart said.

McLeod said the city does not want to impose a complete ban because of potential legal issues.

“Legally, they don’t want to just ban anything,” McLeod said.

WSB Radio’s MaryRyan Howarth contributed to this story.