The city of Joliet is taking significant steps to combat the underage use of e-cigarettes, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s warning about the public health risks these products pose to children. Research indicates that many young individuals who experiment with e-cigarettes tend to continue using them.
Through a series of undercover operations, the Joliet Police Department has issued 47 violations to local businesses for illegally selling nicotine products to customers under the age of 21. Notably, one business received three violations, leading to the revocation of its business license.
“Out of Space Vapes,” located at 232 S. Larkin Ave., is now closed and unable to operate.
“My message to the businesses in Joliet is clear: if you sell to minors, we will catch you and we will cite you,” stated Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans.
The sting operations commenced in September 2023 after officials from Joliet Township High School District 204 expressed concerns to Mayor Terry D’Arcy about students accessing vape pens and e-cigarettes at local shops.
“We need tougher policies in place, which is why we are incredibly grateful for these actions,” remarked Michelle Stiff, school board president for JTHS District 204.
Stiff also reached out to local legislators, including State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), who highlighted the issue of vape pens being designed to resemble everyday objects.
What are the new regulations?
Cappel sponsored SB 3098, which was recently signed into law. This legislation prohibits the shipment of electronic cigarettes ordered online or through the mail to anyone in Illinois other than a retailer or distributor, effective January 1, 2025. This aims to prevent children from purchasing vapes online and having them delivered directly to their homes.
According to the CDC, e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth since 2014. Research shows that kids who try e-cigarettes often continue to use them, making it crucial to keep vape pens out of their reach.
Dr. Karla Guseman, superintendent at JTHS District 204, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue: “Students start experimenting before they enter high school, and due to early access, they are becoming addicted.”
To reinforce the anti-vaping message, all biology students at JTHS District 204 will participate in an experiment this fall demonstrating how vaping damages the body at a cellular level.
“Hopefully, they’ll learn from that. It is mandatory in biology class, so every kid will be exposed to the harms of vaping,” said Mayor D’Arcy.
Parent Dave Collins expressed his support for the city’s strategy, stating, “Hands-on is better. We can tell them all day, but if they get to manipulate the chemicals and see it with their own eyes, perhaps they will make better choices.” He added, “I’m all about giving our kids more education and exposure to the things they need to know, especially the dangers of vaping.”
Comments are closed