The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission reports a recent compliance check of local stores which sell vape products showed over a fourth of them in violation of selling to underage customers.
The Commission conducted 22 compliance checks in Greene County and found six sold vape products to minors. Informants between the ages of 18 and 20 were employed by the commission to help run the checks.
A recent survey showed 40% of youth in Greene County reported using vape products, and 70% said the products are easily accessible.
The TABC expects to check 2,500 stores per year, and will do so unannounced.
A retailer selling a vape product to anyone under age 21 is subject to a $2,000 fine. A second violation results in a $20,000 fine and possible loss of their license to sell to anyone.
Local stores found in violation were the Citgo on West Church Street , 007 Tobacco and Golds Tobacco and Vapor , both on the Asheville Highway, and three East Andrew Johnson locations, Exotic Kings Smoke Shop, Gold 2 Tobacco and Vape and X-Factor Smoke and Vape.
