New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin warned businesses like smoke shops that selling flavored tobacco vape products like electronic cigarettes is illegal.
He explained that the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs sent letters to nearly 11,000 New Jersey businesses threatening enforcement action. Some of those places are smoke shops likely selling hemp-derived THC products.
“New Jersey has been a nationwide leader in the fight to protect kids from the harmful effects of vapor products that lure them in with enticing flavors and bright packaging,” Platkin declared. “We’re proud to take a unified stand with partner states to combat this problem.”
Flavored tobacco vapes were permanently banned in New Jersey in 2020. It was the first state in the country to do so.
“Flavored vaping products are hooking a new generation on nicotine, putting millions of kids at risk, and undermining decades of progress in reducing adolescent tobacco use,” said Cari Fais, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We’re putting retailers on notice that we will not allow them to get rich by breaking our laws and putting consumers. Including the youngest and most vulnerable, at risk.”
The warning letters were issued as part of a coordinated, multi-state enforcement initiative to address the unlawful sales of flavored e-cigarettes, vape pens, and accessories.
Tobacco vape product flavors include candy, fruit, chocolate, and other flavors. So, they are appealing to children and have been linked to a rise in tobacco use among adolescents.
Flavored Tobacco Vapes Sales Warnings Sent to Smoke Shops
In its letter to New Jersey retailers and smoke shops, the State warned that offering or selling vape products with a flavor, taste, or aroma other than tobacco, including mint, menthol, and wintergreen, is illegal.
It breaks New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) and is punishable by up to $10,000 for the first violation and $20,000 for each violation afterward.
In August 2024, the Division also issued Notices of Violation with assessed civil monetary penalties of $4,500 each against 19 retailers for alleged CFA violations for sales of flavored vapor products.
The following retailers received NOV in 2024:
- Aloha Convenience & Smoke LLC, Plainfield, NJ
- Cruz Grocery Store, Newark, NJ
- Shell Food Mart, Parlin, NJ
- Still the Dubb on Springfield Convenience Store, Irvington, NJ
- Supreme Cloud Smoke Shop, Sayreville, NJ
- Wacky Tobaccy Smoke Shop, Asbury Park, NJ
- Spirit Gifts, Wildwood, NJ
- Spirit USA, Wildwood, NJ
- Genesis, Wildwood, NJ
- Over the Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
- Exotics, Wildwood, NJ
- Gift World, Wildwood, NJ
- High Society, Wildwood, NJ
- Gifts 4 U, Wildwood, NJ
- Waves, Wildwood, NJ
- No Cap, Wildwood, NJ
- Golden Gate, Wildwood, NJ
- Smoke Factory, Wildwood, NJ
- Dolphin, Wildwood, NJ
The State argued that e-cigarettes appeal to kids with different flavors, playful shapes, and bright colors. Some even include video games that encourage young consumers to earn virtual coins by vaping.
Flavored tobacco vape products are among the most hazardous and popular tobacco products.