MENTOR, Ohio — Mentor City Council is considering reinstating a citywide moratorium on new vape shops and head shops after a temporary ban expired at the end of 2025.

The proposed ordinance would reinstate the ban through July 1 and apply to all zoning districts in the city.

The moratorium was originally enacted due to concerns over the sale of hemp-derived THC products — including delta-8 — which were widely sold in gas stations and smoke shops before Ohio lawmakers adopted new statewide regulations earlier this year.

The renewed proposal comes weeks after Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 56 into law, which takes effect in March. The law ends unregulated retail sales and requires intoxicating hemp products exceeding certain THC limits to be sold only through licensed marijuana dispensaries.

Cleveland, Parma Heights, Lakewood, Richmond Heights and Middleburg Heights are among the areas that have passed moratoriums or restrictions on new smoke and vape shops in the last year.

Mentor’s prior moratorium ended Dec. 31. City officials last year said the temporary ban was intended to prevent the proliferation of new businesses while state lawmakers considered new regulations.

The proposed ban covers new vape stores and head shops, as well as expansions of existing operations, regardless of zoning classification.