New Jersey Assembly Passes Bill Raising Penalties for Tobacco Sales to Minors
On November 1, the New Jersey General Assembly in Trenton, Mercer County, voted 66 to 7 to pass a bill that would raise penalties for retailers who sell tobacco products to people under 21; four Republican members abstained. The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Michael Venezia, a Democrat from Essex County. It provides that, after a local hearing and at the request of the host municipality, the state Division of Taxation must suspend the tobacco license of an offending retailer.
The bill also provides that fines belong to the host municipality, with 5% of the penalties directed to the state Department of Health for nicotine vaping education and outreach programs. Supporters say faster license penalties and higher fines would help deter tobacco sales aimed at minors and remedy enforcement cycles that have been too slow. The bill has not yet advanced in the state Senate; Sen. Joe Vitale said movement there is only a matter of timing.
If the Senate passes it and the governor signs it, the law would apply to tobacco retailers statewide, including convenience stores, gas station shops and other licensed sellers. Public health advocates note that vaping among teenagers remains a concern, and directing education funds to schools and communities would help prevention outreach.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 位于特伦顿的新泽西州议会大厦（资料图）。Famartin摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经Wikimedia Commons。 / The New Jersey State House in Trenton (file photo). Photo by Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
