Will County Gazette

Joliet, IL –Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy announced today the city has shut down four local establishments for violating laws related to selling vaping materials to underage individuals. This is the third operation since September when complaints about underage selling of vaping materials were received by the City of Joliet.

The operation from November 15th found four businesses violating the ordinance and these businesses have been issued an emergency suspension order for seven days. “As I’ve said before, we want strict enforcement of the law with zero tolerance for violators.” Said D’Arcy.

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 four establishments include:

• 420 Smokes and Vapes – 1532 Rt. 59
• 420 Smokes and Vapes – 1551 Plainfield Rd.
• MiVape – 1112 W. Jefferson St.
• Tobacco Empire – 1105 Essington Rd.

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.

Original source can be found here.