Four members of Irmo Town Council voted to revoke the business license of Tobacco & Vape, citing repeated violations involving illegal substances and failure to comply with town regulations.
The retail store, located at 952 Lake Murray Boulevard, Suite A, lost its license following a hearing held Tuesday, March 24 at the Irmo Municipal Building. Council members heard arguments from both the town and the business before making their decision.
“We don’t take this lightly,” said Bill Danielson. “Irmo is pro-business, but laws are laws.”
The business had previously been issued a suspension on March 9 after authorities confiscated products that were later tested and found to contain THC levels above legal limits.
Attorney Eric Bland, representing the store owner, argued the products were sealed and not packaged by the business. “These were sealed products and not packaged by the defendant,” Bland said. “Do we test bottles of wine to be sure they are at the proper alcohol content?”
Will Edwards presented testimony from two witnesses, including an undercover investigator with the Irmo Police Department. The investigator said the store had previously been warned about selling Delta-8 products, a synthetic form of marijuana, and had agreed to stop.
However, during a follow-up visit, the investigator testified that while the products were no longer displayed, a store employee retrieved them from behind the counter upon request.
“Hiding the product behind the counter shows intent,” Danielson said.
Council members Phyllis Coleman, Mike Ward, Dr. Barb Waldman, and Danielson voted in favor of revocation. Councilman Gabriel Penfield was not present at the hearing.
According to officials, the business had also faced prior investigations, including allegations of selling tobacco products to minors on two occasions.
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of the Irmo community, particularly when it comes to protecting our youth from illegal substances,” said Bobby Dale. “This action was not based on a single incident, but on a pattern of violations over time and a failure to comply with state and local laws.”
Dale added that the case followed proper enforcement and review procedures and that the department supports the council’s decision.
