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ARE ALLOWED TO DO SO. >> KEYSTONE VAPORS IS CLOSED BUT EARLIER TODAY, BUSINESS WAS BRISK AT THIS VAPE SHOP. ONLY TWO PEOPLE AT A TIME ALLOWED IN THE STORE. OTHER THAN THAT, IT WAS BUSINESS AS USUAL. THE VAPE SHOP MANAGER SAYS HE HAS NO DOUBT THAT KEYSTONE VAPORS IS LIFE-SUSTAINING. >> WE FALL INTO THE SAME CATEGORY AS A DOLLAR GENERAL. >> HE EMAILED THE STATE AND GOT A RESPONSE. IT DOES NOT REQUIRE A WAIVER OR EXEMPTION. >> A LOT OF PEOPLE MIGHT QUESTION WHY A VAPE SHOP WOULD BE CONSIDERED LIFE-SUSTAINING. >> I MEAN, PEOPLE HAVE ADDICTIONS. WE OFTEN TIMES FORGET ABOUT THAT. WE CANNOT EVEN GET TO A DOCTOR. WE ARE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. >> JUST DOWN EAST CARSON STREET, THEY ARE OPEN FOR WALK-UP BUSINESS ONLY. THE OWNERS ASKED THE STATE IF THEY COULD REMAIN OPEN BUT DID NOT GET A RESPONSE. >> WE GET A LOT OF PEOPLE BUYING STUFF TO HELP THEIR ANXIETY. >> OFFICIALS DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO OUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WHY VAPE SHOPS WERE ALLOWED TO REMAIN OPEN. STATE POLICE THEY HAVE INVESTIGATED MORE THAN 500 BUSINESSES IN PENNSYLVANIA ACCUSED OF VIOLATING THE GOVERNOR’S ORDER. 178 OF THEM HAVE BEEN WARNED THAT THEY ARE NOT LIFE-SUS

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Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered thousands of Pennsylvania businesses to close, from travel agencies to bars.But Action News Investigates has learned the state has allowed a Pittsburgh vape shop to remain open because it is "life sustaining."An April 1 email from a state official to the owner of Keystone Vapors on Pittsburgh's South Side said, "Certain operations of your business described in your request appear to be within a life-sustaining business sector that contributes to the health and safety of Pennsylvania."The vape shop's manager, who gave his name as only Eito, said he he has no doubt that Keystone Vapors is life sustaining."We fall into the same category as like a Dollar General, one of those type of stores," he said.Asked why a vape shop would be considered life-sustaining, he said, "People have addictions, and we oftentimes forget about that. We leave people sick right now; you can't even get to a doctor if you need to. I mean, we're like the last line of defense for a lot of people here. "The state Department of Community and Economic Development approved Keystone Vapors. Asked about the decision, DCED spokesperson Rachel Wrigley said:"Tobacco and vape shops are considered non-life sustaining and must close. Please note that certain operations of a business as described in their request for an exemption may lead reviewers to believe that the operation is in an exempt category."She said DCED is reviewing the decision that allowed Keystone Vapors to open.Just down East Carson Street from Keystone Vapors, Vapor Galleria is open for walk-up business only. The owners said they asked the state if they could remain open but did not get a response."We get a lot of people buying stuff, gummies and CBD to help their anxiety. Plus they can't find any other vape shop open, they need their nicotine. and they're either going to go back to smoking or they're going to buy their vape," said co-owner Gary McBurney.Action News Investigates found another vape shop on McKnight Road, Keepin' It Glassy, was also open for walk-up business.At a news conference, a Pennsylvania State Police official said they have investigated more than 500 businesses to see if they are complying with the governor's order. Police have issued warnings to 178 businesses. No citations have been issued.