The New Jersey state Senate has approved legislation aimed at tightening age verification requirements for the delivery of tobacco and vaping products, seeking to curb youth access amid the growing use of online and app-based sales in the state.
The bill, sponsored by Senators Joe Vitale and Teresa Ruiz, would prohibit the delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 and require adult signatures at the time of delivery. Packages containing such products would also have to be clearly labeled.
Vitale said the legislation addresses a gap in oversight as more consumers purchase tobacco and vaping products online rather than in traditional retail stores.
“While brick-and-mortar retailers are subject to regular inspections, online sellers often operate with minimal oversight,” he explained.
Ruiz said the bill modernizes state law to reflect changes in how these products are sold and delivered.
“New Jersey has made significant progress in reducing youth smoking and vaping, but the rise of online and app-based delivery services has created new pathways for these products to reach young people,” Ruiz said.
Under the legislation, deliveries to residences would only be permitted if the recipient is at least 21 years old and provides a signature upon receipt. The bill also increases civil penalties for violations, setting fines at a minimum of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for third and subsequent offenses. Those penalties would mirror existing fines for illegal in-person sales to underage customers.
Public health officials have raised alarms about youth vaping rates nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 12% of U.S. high school students reported current use of a tobacco product in 2023, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used. In New Jersey, the state Department of Education reported that 22% of students had used an electronic vapor product within the previous 30 days.
The bill now heads to governor for his signature.
61 year man in Lakewood from (moderated) is selling vape and cigarettes to young children and there isn’t any end to this situation. I strongly advise parents to turn him over to authorities.
Speak to a rabbi first, you groiseh knacker!!
I spoke to the Rabbi this man is sick and if it was your kids what would you do ??? Rabbi said he belongs in jail !!! So you come across say you are right ???
Tell the rabbi to call the cops on him! If the Rabbi is so confident he belongs in jail then the rabbi should call himself!!
These bills just make it more annoying for the adults… They accomplish Nothing!! The kids that want to order vapes will find another way of getting it!! Solution: There is none. Theyll grow up and stop on their own just like we all did…