19 New Jersey Retailers Fined for Selling Banned E-Cigarette Flavors

According to a press release on August 27th, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that 19 retail stores in New Jersey have been issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) for allegedly violating the state's Consumer Protection Act. Each store was fined $4,500 for providing and selling flavored e-cigarette products that are banned in New Jersey.

This enforcement action stemmed from an investigation by the Department of Consumer Affairs into the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarette devices and products, including mint, candy, fruit, and chocolate flavors. Studies have shown that these products are highly appealing to young people, leading to difficulties in reducing youth smoking rates. To address this issue, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a law in January 2020 banning the sale and distribution of flavored e-cigarette products, excluding tobacco flavors. As a result, New Jersey became the first state in the U.S. to implement a permanent ban on these products.

The Chief Prosecutor Pratkien stated that...

Thanks to Governor Murphy, New Jersey has the strictest laws in the country to prevent the sale of flavored e-cigarette products that are particularly appealing to children, and we will enforce these laws diligently. As students across the state return to school, we want to send a strong message to retailers: if caught selling these dangerous prohibited products, they will be held accountable.

The Acting Director of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais, also emphasized that

The ban on flavored e-cigarette devices is aimed at protecting consumers in New Jersey, especially our young people, from the harms of e-cigarettes, nicotine, and tobacco. By identifying and taking legal action against businesses illegally selling these products, we are protecting public health and fulfilling our responsibility to protect consumers from illicit business practices.

The following is a list of retailers who have received violation notices:

Aloha Convenience & Smoke LLC, based in Plainfield, New Jersey, along with Cruz Grocery Store in Newark, Shell Food Mart in Parlin, and Still the Dubb on Springfield Convenience Store in Irvington are just a few of the many tobacco and convenience stores found throughout the state. Other notable establishments include Supreme Cloud Smoke Shop in Sayreville, Wacky Tobaccy Smoke Shop in Asbury Park, Spirit Gifts and Spirit USA in Wildwood, as well as Genesis, Over the Boardwalk, Exotics, Gift World, High Society, Gifts 4 U, Waves, No Cap, Golden Gate, Smoke Factory, and Dolphin.