RJ Reynolds threatens legal action against vape shops

On May 3rd, according to a report by Stat News, Reynolds Tobacco Company has been "threatening" small electronic cigarette retailers by stating that if they do not stop selling flavored electronic cigarettes, Reynolds Tobacco Company will take legal action against them. This information comes from a letter that Reynolds Tobacco Company sent to electronic cigarette retailers in March.

Renovo Tobacco to launch crackdown on illegal electronic cigarette products.

According to a report by Stat News, this is the latest example of Reynolds Tobacco Company cracking down on illegal e-cigarette products. Reynolds Tobacco recently sent a letter to one particular store, indicating that the store was selling ELFBAR disposable e-cigarette products, but so far, the FDA has not taken any enforcement action against them.

In February of this year, the company submitted an application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting a ban on flavored disposable e-cigarettes and expressed support for Congress to enact similar legislation.

The letters suggest growing discontent with the enforcement approach of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), particularly concerning flavored electronic cigarettes. While these products are currently illegal, the FDA has only issued warning letters to some manufacturers.

The voice of criticism from many sides.

The letters from Renowned Tobacco have caused opposition from industry researchers.

Eric Lindblom of Georgetown University's O'Neill Institute expressed criticism.

The Renau Tobacco Company should not behave in this manner (threatening merchants), as the FDA could have resolved this issue.

Clive Bates, an independent consultant and vocal advocate for reducing tobacco harm, has criticized Renault Tobacco.

It should not harass the little people, but rather compel federal bureaucratic institutions to do their job, and do it better.

A spokesperson for the company stated that the letters mention:

Removing these illegal products from store shelves demonstrates Renou Tobacco Company's commitment to consumer safety.

According to sources in the media, a letter from Renault Tobacco warns businesses that continue to sell illegal tobacco that they will face some form of consequences and implies that Renault Tobacco may terminate its partnership with these businesses.

Even including termination of your contract.

No shop has been formally charged yet.

According to Stat News, it appears that Renault has not actually sued any electronic cigarette stores. However, if Renault chooses to sue, they will likely do so under the state's unfair competition law.

In these two letters, lawyers for Renault Tobacco argue that the sale of flavored tobacco products violates relevant laws and "has and will continue to harm" Renault Tobacco's e-cigarette business. Renault may also argue that being forced to compete with illegal products will cut into its legal business. However, Stat News notes that this claim appears to contradict statements made by Renault Tobacco's parent company, British American Tobacco.

The CEO once told investors that the growth of disposable products in the United States did not have a negative impact on the company's business. He stated during a financial report conference call in February 2023 that Vuse is the fastest-growing nicotine product in the United States.

Further reading:

Tobacco company Altria and Reynolds have spent a significant amount of money on lobbying and encouraging black community groups to oppose a ban on menthol cigarettes.

Renault's "Mint-flavored" cigarettes avoid California's flavoring ban, replacing nearly half of menthol cigarettes in sales.

A US federal court has rejected a lawsuit filed by the tobacco industry against California's ban on flavored tobacco.

Renault loses another flavor ban lawsuit, as US Circuit Court upholds Minnesota flavor ban.

References:

. Tobacco company RJ Reynolds has issued a warning to vape shops, threatening legal action if they continue to sell flavored vape products.