Compliance check finds number of local illegal vape sales
Compliance checks find numerous local businesses in violation of illegal vape sales. Images courtesy of Sheriff Joe Guy in McMinn County.
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A number of local businesses have been issued citations for illegal vape sales.
The investigation was sparked after vaping in schools has hit a local high.
In Tennessee, an individual must be 21 years old to purchase a tobacco product such as a vaping device. Sale to a person under the age of 21 is a class C misdemeanor.
Nearly 50 retailers were checked in McMinn, Polk, Bradley and Monroe counties in reference to the sale of vape and THC products to people underage. Seventeen businesses were found in violation of state law.
The 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force issues 34 citations during this joint operation.
Compliance checks find numerous local businesses in violation of illegal vape sales. Images courtesy of Sheriff Joe Guy in McMinn County.
Athens Police Department, ATS The Bridge, Bradley County Sheriff’ Office, Cleveland Police Department, McMinn County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Prevention and Wellness Coalition, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Sweetwater Police Department, all assisted with this operation.
The following is a breakdown of businesses cited as well as those found to be in compliance:
Bradley County Citations (court date 11/14/2024):
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 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 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
Compliance checks find numerous local businesses in violation of illegal vape sales. Images courtesy of Sheriff Joe Guy in McMinn County.
