Statewide—The government is cracking down on the sale of vaping products to children, and hundreds of businesses all over the state, including several in southeastern Indiana, have been cited during undercover inspections.
The 267 violation notices that occurred between 2018 and 2019 include 208 warning letters issued to stores accused of selling vaping supplies to minors for the first time, as well as 59 civil money penalties sent to retailers cited for repeat violations.
Both federal and Indiana law prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including vaping liquids, to anyone under 18 years old. Retailers are required to check the photo ids of customers to verify their age prior to a sale. Most of the violations took place at vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores.
During undercover inspections, FDA inspectors found the vape products sold to minors in 84 different cities and towns across Indiana. Violations issued to retailers in southeastern Indiana include Madison, Greensburg, Osgood, Laurel, Batesville, and North Vernon.
While issued only a warning for first-time violations, penalties quickly escalate for repeat offenses. A second violation within 12 months costs retailers $285, with a third and fourth violation within a 24-month period costing $570 and $2,282 respectively.
