NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — About 1/4 of teenagers vape, recent studies show, and New Jersey lawmakers are going after the retailers who sell to minors.
The current penalties just aren’t strong enough, according to Assemblyman Michael Venezia. He says a new bill not only increases the volume of inspections at vape shops and other retailers but also triples the fines for illegal sales.
“On the first offense, from $250 to $750; second offense, from $500 to $1,500; and the third offense, from $1,000 to $3,000.”
He says, beyond increased fines, more work is needed to really make a dent in the number of teens who vape. Revenue collected from the fines go toward production of ad campaigns from the Health Department to draw attention to the dangers of vaping, which includes serious damage to the lungs and throat.
The bill received approval from the assembly health committee. It is unknown when it will be on the agenda for a full vote.