CHECK THE LIST: Numerous Citations Made for Illegal Vape Sales in McMinn, Polk, & Bradley Cos.

Sheriff Guy reports a surge in illegal vape sales targeting local businesses across three Tennessee counties, aiming to curb underage access and enforce state laws.

Law enforcement in McMinn, Polk, and Bradley Counties has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal vape sales, targeting establishments that fail to comply with Tennessee’s stringent regulations. “We all see it daily in our local schools,” Sheriff Guy remarked. “And juveniles are being sold the devices without their ID being checked, or simply sold illegally at area stores.”

The joint operation, supported by General Hatchett’s Office and the Drug Task Force, focused on enforcing the state law that mandates a minimum purchasing age of 21 for tobacco products, including vapes. Violations result in a class C misdemeanor, highlighting the seriousness with which Tennessee authorities are addressing this issue.

Sheriff Guy’s Call to Action

Sheriff Guy emphasized the importance of strict enforcement to protect youth from the dangers of vaping. “This was made possible with the support of General Hatchett’s Office and the Drug Task Force,” he added. The sheriff’s office has been collaborating closely with local law enforcement agencies to identify and penalize businesses that disregard these regulations.

Operation Targets 47 Businesses Across Three Counties

The recent operation scrutinized 47 local businesses, out of which 17 were found in violation of state laws. A total of 34 citations were issued, underscoring the widespread non-compliance among retailers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cited and compliant businesses in each county:

Bradley County Citations (Court Date: 11/14/2024)

Businesses Cited:

1. Crazy Vapes – Cleveland, TN
2. One Stop Smoke and Vape – Cleveland, TN
3. Tobacco Sky & Vape – Cleveland, TN
4. 101 Smoke Shop – Cleveland, TN
5. Blue Monkey Smoke Shop – Cleveland, TN
6. Top Smoke and Vape – Cleveland, TN
7. Citgo Hwy 64 & Kinser Road – Cleveland, TN

Bradley County in Compliance:

1. 1 Stop Market – Cleveland, TN
2. South Side Vapors – Cleveland, TN
3. Babylon Vape – Cleveland, TN
4. The Fix Vape Shop – Cleveland, TN
5. Chattanooga Vape Company – Cleveland, TN
6. Harry’s 1st and Keith – Cleveland, TN
7. ABC Market South Lee & Victory – Cleveland, TN
8. ABC Market S. Lee & APD 40 – Cleveland, TN
9. Valero S. Lee & APD 40 – Cleveland, TN
10. CBD Dispensary – Cleveland, TN
11. Cleveland Country Market “Smoke Shop” – Cleveland, TN
12. One Stop Shop – Cleveland, TN

McMinn and Monroe Counties Under Scrutiny

McMinn County Citations (Court Date: 11/21/2024)

1. Flavor Café – Athens, TN
2. Vapenotiq Vapors – Athens, TN
3. Highly Lifted – Athens, TN
4. Nathani’s #3 – Athens, TN

McMinn County in Compliance:

1. Park Street Tobacco Vape and Beer – Athens, TN
2. Athens Vape and Smoke Shop – Athens, TN
3. Green Lite Health – Athens, TN
4. Friendly City Vapors – Athens, TN

Monroe County Citations (Court Date: 11/18/2024)

1. S&W Vape Shop – Sweetwater, TN
2. Hemp Solutions – Sweetwater, TN
3. Smokin’ Zone – Vonore, TN
4. Madisonville CBD – Madisonville, TN

Monroe County in Compliance:

1. Shell Valley Mart – Sweetwater, TN
2. T. J’s Food Mart and Deli – Sweetwater, TN
3. Koala Remedies – Vonore, TN
4. Sunoco – Sweetwater, TN
5. Allen 7-11 – Sweetwater, TN
6. Rarity Bay Market – Vonore, TN
7. Vonore Tobacco and Beverage – Vonore, TN
8. Madisonville Vapors – Madisonville, TN

Polk County’s Vigilant Enforcement

Polk County Citations (Court Date: 11/13/2024)

1. Sunoco – Benton, TN
2. Mapco – Old Fort, TN

Polk County in Compliance:

1. Ocoee Hemp Company – Ocoee, TN
2. Liquor & Tobacco Mart – Benton, TN
3. Ocoee Botanicals – Ocoee, TN
4. Sunny’s Shell – Old Fort, TN
5. Tobacco Mart Spring Place Road – Cleveland, TN

Understanding Tennessee’s Vape Sales Laws

Tennessee law mandates that individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase tobacco products, including vapes. Selling these products to anyone under the age of 21 is classified as a class C misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time. The recent crackdown aims to ensure that businesses adhere strictly to these regulations to prevent youth access to vaping products.

• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old
• Violation Classification: Class C misdemeanor
• Penalties: Fines and possible jail time
• Enforcement Agencies: Sheriff’s Office, General Hatchett’s Office, Drug Task Force

Future Implications and Ongoing Enforcement

The issuance of 34 citations reflects Tennessee’s commitment to enforcing vape sales laws and protecting youth from potential health risks associated with vaping. Authorities plan to continue monitoring and conducting operations to ensure compliance across all counties. Businesses found violating these laws face not only legal repercussions but also damage to their reputations and loss of business licenses.

Challenges Ahead:

• Ensuring Compliance: Continuous monitoring to prevent future violations
• Public Awareness: Educating businesses and the public about legal requirements
• Support for Compliant Businesses: Encouraging adherence through positive reinforcement