Joliet Mayor Shuts Down Five Establishments for Vaping Violations
Joliet Mayor Shuts Down Five Establishments for Vaping Violations (Joliet, IL) — Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy announced today the city has shut down five local establishments for violating laws related to selling vaping materials to underage individuals. D’Arcy, who also serves as liquor and tobacco commissioner, credits the public for their assistance in reporting the problems to his office.
“We received a complaint about underage selling of vaping materials throughout Joliet, so we enlisted the help of our police department to put together a sting operation,” explained D’Arcy. “The operation found five establishments violating the ordinance and these businesses have been issued an emergency suspension order for seven days. We want strict enforcement of the law with zero tolerance for violators.”
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, e-cigarettes, vapes, vape or hookah pens, e-pipes, and other vaping products are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale, or vape, aerosolized liquid (e-juice). As of July 1, 2019, Illinois law prohibits the sale of tobacco products, including these products, to people under the age of 21.
The names of the five establishments include:
- Cuddy Tobacco & Vape – 1507 W. Jefferson St.
- Smoke Shop Superstore – 1358 W. Jefferson St.
- Tobacco & Cigars – 3109 W. Jefferson St.
- Up in Smoke – 330 Republic Ave.
- Cuddy World Tobacco – 185 Larkin Ave.
Sherrie Blackburn, Deputy Chief for Administration in the Joliet Police Department stated, “the Joliet Police Department is committed to the safety and well-being of our community, especially our youth. This operation underscores our dedication to enforcing the law and protecting our young residents. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that businesses adhere to these important regulations, and we urge all retailers to be vigilant in verifying the age of their customers when selling age-restricted products.”
According to the local ordinance, the owner of the license can request a hearing within the seven-day suspension. First time offenders face a fine of up to $1000 and up to a 30-day suspension.
Joliet Mayor Shuts Down Five Establishments for Vaping Violations
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