Undercover Vaping Stings Bust Retailers, Some Near Schools

Source from:  WCNC.com 11/08/2019

FDA records show convenience and grocery stores warned and repeat violators fined for selling e-cigarettes, cigars and traditional cigarettes.

As more and more kids turn to vaping, the federal government's increased the number of undercover stings in recent years, busting thousands of businesses across the Carolinas for selling to children, including several near Charlotte-area schools.

Federal records show the Food and Drug Administration has warned some and fined other repeat violators for selling electronic cigarettes, cigars and traditional cigarettes to kids, sometimes just a block away from schools.

The sign inside one of two Circle Ks on The Plaza within walking distance of Northridge Middle School reads, "No ID, no sale." That's the rule at both Circle Ks and the nearby Food Lion, but it took an undercover visit by the FDA to drive the message home. Records show the FDA issued each retailer a warning after clerks sold e-liquid to kids. Circle K 8381, much like the Food Lion, received its warning after a July 2018 visit, while the other Circle K received its warning in January 2019, according to FDA records. The clerk at the Food Lion was fired as a result, according to the manager.

Federal records show just in the Charlotte-area alone, the FDA's issued more than 150 warning letters to first-time offenders who sold e-cigarettes, cigars or traditional cigarettes to kids since 2018. In addition, the federal government's issued civil penalties to another 50 for repeat violations.  Enditem