THESE businesses are not allowed to operate, open near Texas schools

HOUSTON – In Texas, there are restrictions for certain businesses when it comes to opening and operating near schools.

The reason is to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Depending on what they sell, there are different restrictions on how close certain businesses can be to a school.

Here are some examples of businesses that cannot be near Texas schools, according to state laws, local zoning ordinances, and regulations:

• Sexually oriented businesses: Businesses like adult bookstores, adult video stores, and strip clubs are typically prohibited from being located within a certain distance of schools. The exact distance can vary by city or county, but it’s often 1,000 to 1,500 feet.
• Liquor stores: Texas law generally prohibits liquor stores from being within 300 feet of a public or private school, measured from property line to property line.
• Bars and nightclubs: Similar to liquor stores, bars and nightclubs that primarily sell alcohol are often restricted from being near schools. The specific distance requirements can vary, but it’s typically around 300 feet.
• Businesses with gambling devices: Establishments that offer gambling devices, such as certain types of game rooms, are also restricted from being near schools.
• Marijuana dispensaries: Although marijuana is not yet fully legal in Texas, any future dispensaries would likely face restrictions similar to those placed on liquor stores and sexually oriented businesses, keeping them a certain distance away from schools.

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What about smoke shops?

In Texas, smoke shops that sell tobacco products, vaping devices, and related paraphernalia, are subject to certain restrictions regarding their proximity to schools.

The specific rules can vary by local jurisdiction, but here are some general guidelines:

• Distance requirements: Many cities in Texas impose distance restrictions on smoke shops, typically requiring them to be a certain number of feet away from schools. Common distance requirements range from 300 to 1,000 feet. The distance is usually measured from property line to property line.
• Local zoning ordinances: Some cities have specific zoning ordinances that limit where smoke shops can operate, often restricting them to certain commercial or industrial zones, which may not be near schools.
• School district policies: In some cases, local school districts may have additional policies or agreements with municipalities to restrict smoke shops from operating near schools.
• State and local variations: The exact distance and regulations can vary significantly from one city or county to another. It’s essential to consult local ordinances or speak with city planning officials to get the precise regulations for a specific location.

While there isn’t a uniform statewide ban on smoke shops near schools in Texas, many local jurisdictions impose restrictions to keep them at a distance from educational institutions.