RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The controversy surrounding vape shops in Richmond continues, as a group of local advocates held a press conference outside City Hall on Tuesday, March 31 to speak out against the rapid growth of smoke shops. Advocates said their main concern is the impact these businesses are having on the community -- especially young people -- stressing that their stance is not against small businesses, but against illegal activity. The message drew pushback from some Yemeni-American vape shop owners, who said they feel targeted and argued that not all shops are engaging in illegal practices. "Go up to ones that sells drugs. Go up to anybody that does anything wrong. I'm for it 100%,” said Dean, the Yemeni Economic Association’s president. ‘He turned his back on us’: Yemeni vape shop owners wary of Operation Vaporize’s resumption after Mayor declines meeting Jonathan Davis, a member of Virginians for Safer Cannabis [VFSC], said many of their concerns stem from safety, health, and the impact on the community. "A lot of shops have been busted with illegal products. Some of these businesses are selling to minors. Some are operating with no regard for the appearance of how they look on the outside or inside. And they're not being a community partner," Davis said. Davis said he and other advocates support Mayor Danny Avula’s “Operation Vaporize,” a city initiative that has shut down 42 vape shops and cited more than 900 violations in the past six months. "We certainly want to have the vape shops and different types of businesses to produce products, but to be in compliance," said Gerry Rawlinson, business owner and VFSC member. While the city currently enforces zoning rules that prohibit vape shops from operating within 1,000 feet of schools and libraries, advocates said those restrictions do not go far enough. Both those for an against the vape crackdown said they would like to meet with the mayor -- but said that has not happened yet. "Your message is the same thing that we've been saying, we've been saying to the mayor and he has not listened to us," Dean said. Shop owners said the city’s crackdown has disproportionately impacted their community, with some businesses shut down for reasons unrelated to the products they sell. ‘A good day for public health’: Virginia lawmakers crack down on illegal vape sales to minors with new legislation Davis said he could not comment on individual violations, but he wants to work with the city to ensure safety, and minimize the spread of smoke shops. "This is not about targeting any one group. This is about accountability. Even leaders within the American Yemeni community have said that they do not support illegal activity and do not want it in their community," Davis said. Its unclear when -- or if -- either group will meet with Mayor Avula. However, advocates against vape shops said they have spoken with members of the Yemeni community about the crackdown and plan to continue those conversations. ...read more read less