As Richmond officials continue to develop their approach to tackling the spread of vape shops and any related illegal activity, community groups are raising questions about the impact their methods could have on businesses and communities of color. 

Diffaa Saleh, president of the Yemeni American Community of Virginia, is calling for changes in enforcement practices after multiple Richmond shops were shut down due to what he says are minor building and code violations. 

“We need to slow down a bit with cracking down on smoke shops for basic things,” Saleh said, citing minor issues like unlit exit signs and gaps in back doors. “Give him a ticket, a summons … a $2,000 fine so he can learn, but don’t just close the store.” 

The Yemeni American Community of Virginia said it raised similar concerns with city officials weeks before the launch of the multiagency initiative Operation Vaporize on Dec. 19, citing the impact of enforcement methods on communities of color. City officials confirmed the mayor’s office received the group’s concerns via email. 

Saleh and the Yemeni American Community emphasized they support enforcement that ensures vape shops meet legal, safety and property standards, with Saleh saying he personally works to make sure shops across Virginia follow the law. 

Diffaa Saleh is president of the Yemeni American Community of Virginia, an organization that is raising concerns about enforcement practices affecting minority-owned businesses.  (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

 

 But they say current enforcement practices, which focus on property and code violations to close shops or ensure compliance, give owners little opportunity to address issues before closures, which could disproportionately affect certain communities. 

“Our goal in bringing this to your attention is not to oppose lawful enforcement,” the Yemeni American Community said in a statement to the Richmond Free Press, “but to underscore that enforcement practices — particularly when publicly amplified and coordinated across agencies — should be transparent, equitable, and guided by community input, especially when they affect vulnerable and historically marginalized business owners.” 

When reached for a response, Mayor Danny Avula confirmed efforts to address concerns are underway, while reemphasizing Operation Vaporize’s commitment to ensuring businesses comply with critical zoning, building, and health and safety standard requirements. 

“We understand some businesses may have questions, and our Planning and Development Review department has already reached out to the organization that has expressed concerns,” Avula said. “Our enforcement teams operate with professionalism and, while compliance is expected, we are always open to hearing feedback.” 

City officials said Operation Vaporize has resulted in 30 vape shop inspections, 274 violations found, and 18 businesses closed until they comply with requirements. They said the Planning and Development Review department is organizing a meeting with people who are concerned about enforcement practices.