BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Recently erected signage at the former Robert C. Byrd Wendy’s location indicates that the inactive restaurant building will be the among the latest in the area to be converted into a local smoke shop.
The development follows the confirmation of the similarly inactive Khan’s Fried Chicken and Gyros location on South Kanawha Street, itself the confirmed location of the soon-to-be-opened Beckley Smoke Shop.
Many local residents have expressed concern over what appears to be a recent influx of tobacco and vape specialty stores making their way to the Raleigh County area. Some have expressed disappointment at the lack of support for local eateries and small businesses, while others have expressed concern over a potentially increased accessibility to tobacco and nicotine products for young residents.
A significant number of Beckley and Raleigh County residents have questioned the necessity of such a vast number of tobacco and vape shop locations in the face of a local socioeconomic climate which arguably offers little in the way of recreational and social opportunities geared at those in the teenage age group. Uncoincidentally, this category of residents is among those most susceptible to the influence of adult-oriented products such as vapes.
Also concerning to many local residents is the proximity of many existing smoke and vape shops to schools as well as facilities and recreational areas geared toward children.
Among existing smoke shop locations in the Beckley area are H&M Smoke Shop and Smoker Friendly, multiple CJ’s Tobacco & Liquor locations, Beckley Tobacco & Vapor, Raleigh Tobacco & More, and others. The former Robert C. Byrd Wendy’s and former Khan’s Fried Chicken & Gyros locations are set to join such ranks in the near future.
