Shreveport Vape Shops Could Soon Face Strict New Rules — Here’s What to Know

The Shreveport City Council is taking a look at a new ordinance to crack down on vape shops in the city. The measure creates a permitting process, sets new rules for hours of operation, and adds age restrictions on sales. A final vote on the changes won't happen until September 9, at the earliest.

New Permits and Business Requirements

If this measure passes, vape shops will be required to get a permit through the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) in order to operate legally. The businesses would also have to pay an annual fee and someone at the store would have to be designated as a manager and be available in case of a problem.

City leaders say these changes will help increase accountability and make sure the stores are complying with state laws and not selling illegal products.

Age and Hours Restrictions Take Effect Immediately

If the council approves this measure, part of it would go into effect immediately. That would include requiring all customers to be at least 21 years old. Vape shops would also have a new 9pm closing time.

Council members say these changes mirror rules passed recently in Baton Rouge, but Shreveport’s ordinance goes a step further by adding the permitting process.

CAO Tom Dark says “we want to make sure we have a system in place to hold shops accountable.”

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Permitting System Will Take More Time

City Attorney Marcus Edwards says the permitting portion of the ordinance will be delayed slightly. SPD officials have told the council they need additional time to ramp up for the changes. They will have to set up the application process and the reporting systems.

City leaders expect those requirements—such as fee collection, posted permits, and violation tracking—to be rolled out in the coming months.

Shreveport coordinated these changes with Louisiana State Police to make sure these businesses are regulated and not going rogue in selling all kinds of items.