California Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against E-cigarette Retailers
On December 14, according to a report by U.S. news website einnews, Rob Bonta, the Attorney General of California, filed a lawsuit against two e-cigarette online retailers - Ejuicesteals and E-juice Vapor.
Legal proceedings are currently underway in federal courts in the eastern and central regions of California, as Banta accuses these two companies of failing to properly verify the age of California consumers. This alleged failure is seen as a violation of state and federal laws designed to protect the general public, particularly vulnerable groups such as teenagers, from the harm caused by harmful and addictive tobacco products.
In the lawsuit, Attorney General Banta argues that the actions of these two companies are in violation of the PACT Act, California Cigarette and Tobacco Products Tax Law, STAKE Act, and Unfair Competition Law. He is seeking legal accountability through civil fines, compensation, and injunctions against the behavior of these companies.
Banta expressed, "As the legal representative of the people, I cannot stand idly by as e-cigarette online retailers continue to lead our young people into using harmful e-cigarettes and tobacco products. We will take all legal actions against anyone who engages in illegal practices to profit from ensnaring our children in harmful addictive behaviors. Companies such as Ejuicesteals, E-juice Vapor, and others manufacturing this public health hazard will be held accountable.
In today's lawsuit, Bonta claims that Ejuicesteals and E-juice Vapor have violated federal and state regulations, including failing to verify the age of consumers and engaging in remote sales transactions that violate California's tobacco product delivery sales regulations.
Previously, a multi-state settlement agreement worth $460 million was reached between attorney generals and e-cigarette manufacturer JUUL. California is set to receive the highest portion of this settlement, amounting to $175.8 million, making it the largest settlement amount between JUUL and any state.
The settlement funds will assist California in financing research, education, and enforcement efforts related to e-cigarettes. Additionally, JUUL will be prohibited from targeting adolescents in its advertisements and promotions, as stated in the agreement terms.
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