GOSHEN – The Orange County Department of Health is reminding local stores that the state has banned the sale of flavored nicotine vapor products to all residents, not just those under 21.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alicia Pointer warms merchants that sellers of vapor products face fines if found in violation of the state’s law.
“The Department of Health wants to be a partner with families, communities, and businesses in protecting young people from the harms of nicotine,” Dr. Pointer said. “We ask all businesses selling flavored vapor products to remove those items from their stores immediately. We also urge all store owners and employees to ask for ID for anyone who appears under age 25 and is buying any tobacco product.”
The county health department is tasked with inspecting stores for flavored vape products and enforcing the law and will issue violations to any seller that is offering flavored vape products for sale.
The department will also continue to do inspections and issue violations to stores selling any tobacco product, including vapor products, to anyone under 21 years old.
Pointer said that the state’s law also prohibits any flavored vapor product intended to be used with nicotine. Any vapor products dealer, or employee of a dealer who violates the law can be fined up to $100 for each individual package of flavored vape product. This includes any product sold or offered for sale.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more than 2.5 million – that’s one in 10 – middle school and high school students use e-cigarettes. The majority use flavored e-cigarettes with fruity or sweet flavors. Flavored vapor products, such as mint chocolate, bubblegum, and cotton candy, are designed to appeal to young people.
For more information, contact the Orange County Department of Health’s Community Health Outreach at (845) 360-6680.
